Palazzo Bernardini
Museum | Lucca | Tuscany | Italy
The Palazzo Bernardini in Lucca, Tuscany, is an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture and a significant cultural heritage of the city. It was built between 1517 and 1523 by Martino Bernardini, a wealthy merchant from Lucca. The facade of the palace is in the Florentine Mannerist style, characterized by its monumental appearance and the use of rusticated stone on the ground floor. The windows on the first floor are adorned with double-arched windows resembling those of the Palazzo Pretorio. Inside the palace, you can find elaborately decorated coffered ceilings and doors with intricate fittings, including door knockers in the shape of Moors' heads. A particular feature is the so-called "Pietra del Diavolo" on the facade: above the third window from the left, there is a stone with an unusual curvature. According to legend, the devil cursed this stone after causing the destruction of a Virgin Mary mural at that spot. Despite attempts to straighten the stone, it remains in its curved form to this day.
The Palazzo Bernardini now houses one of the largest private collections of sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and other objects from the 16th century and later. The collection includes works by artists such as Giambologna and Bartolomeo Ammannati, as well as an impressive collection of furniture and artworks that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. The palace serves not only as a museum but also as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions that make use of the building's historic ambiance. The Piazza Bernardini, where the palace is located, was created in 1785 by the removal of buildings to make space for the palace and the adjacent church of San Benedetto in Gotella. Today, the Piazza is a lively meeting place with numerous cafes and restaurants that allow visitors to enjoy the ambiance of this historic site.
Overall, the Palazzo Bernardini represents a significant cultural heritage of Lucca and offers visitors a deep insight into the art and history of the Renaissance, as well as the lives of the city's wealthy families.
