The Palaces of Bibbiena

The reason why lies in the history of this little city, long coveted by Arezzo and Florence alike.

Because of its charming site, various noble families from Florence and the Casentino built palaces here.

The old town is divided into two parts, the ‘noble’ one to the north and the ‘popular’ one to the south. Most of the palaces are on the north side. The 16th century Palazzo Dovizi has an original architectural structure due to the loggia above the building. The two Martellini palaces were probably begun in the late 14th century. The Medici and Habsburg heraldic devices of the coats of arms in Palazzo Poltri are in memory of the pilgrimage made in 1618 by Maria Maddalena of Austria, wife of Cosimo II de’ Medici, to the sanctuaries of Camaldoli and La Verna. The rooms of Palazzo Niccolini are embellished with frescoes of landscapes, while the windows of Palazzo Mazzoleni are decorated with masks depicting demonic figures. Palazzo Ferri has a severe faÁade and numerous rooms frescoed with lake scenes. Palazzo Vecchietti Poltri, an 18th century building with a loggia and a simple, harmonious faÁade, is built on the south side of the old cassero (fortress).

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