Palazzo Boilleau, palazzo in Pisa, Italy
Palazzo Boilleau is a three-story neoclassical building in Pisa with a symmetrical facade divided into seven sections, featuring regularly spaced windows and a centered doorway. A marble bust of Ferdinand I de Medici crowns the entrance, crafted by sculptor Pietro Francavilla, and the structure displays refined stone details throughout.
The palazzo was commissioned around 1590 by Carlo Antonio Dal Pozzo, an advisor to Grand Duke Ferdinando I de Medici, and designed by architect Raffaello Zanobi di Pagno. Construction finished by 1595, and the building served as a private residence before housing the Seghieri, Sanminiatelli, and later the Boilleau families.
The palazzo is named after the Boilleau family, French nobility who settled in Pisa and became known for charitable works. The building reflects neoclassical design principles that shaped the city's architectural character during this period.
The building now serves the university and houses offices and classrooms, with the exterior freely accessible for viewing. Visit during morning or early afternoon hours when the area is quieter, allowing you to better appreciate the architectural details and surrounding historic streets.
The marble bust of Ferdinand I de Medici above the entrance door was designed by renowned sculptor Giambologna and carved by his student Pietro Francavilla. This work demonstrates the Medici family's connection to architectural patronage and artistic promotion in the region during this period.
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