Palazzo Dudley

Palazzo Dudley is a Renaissance building in Florence featuring two entrance portals, an ornate balcony, and coffered wooden ceilings throughout its interior spaces. Traditional Italian craftsmanship is evident in each of these details and shapes the character of the structure.

The building was constructed in 1613 by Robert Dudley, the Earl of Northumberland, during his exile in Florence and reused foundations from earlier Renaissance structures. It was later acquired by Francesco Navone, who extensively modified it in the early 20th century.

The building displays architectural features from different periods of Florentine design that are clearly visible on the facade and inside. This mixture shows how the city evolved and changed its structures over time.

The building is located on Via Della Spada in central Florence and is easy to reach on foot. A store now occupies the ground floor, but the historic features of the facade and some original interior details remain visible from outside and during brief visits.

The original owner was an English nobleman who chose Florence as a refuge and shaped the building as his home during a pivotal period of his life. This unusual story intertwines English and Italian history at a single location.