Palazzo d'Arnolfo HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

The Palazzo d'Arnolfo di San Giovanni Valdarno, built at the beginning of the fourteenth century, is one of the most important historical and architectural symbols of the area. The structure has undergone important changes over the centuries, in particular in the first quarter of the fifteenth century and between the late fifteenth century and the early sixteenth century, which have shaped its current appearance.

Originally, the palace was smaller in size, both in height and width. However, with the expansion of the "new land" and the growing needs of the community of Castel San Giovanni, the building was expanded: the lower porch was walled up to accommodate the prisons and a new porch was built that completely surrounded the building, giving it a monumental and imposing appearance.

The restorations of the early twentieth century have made it possible to highlight the different phases of expansion. Externally, the building stands out for its harmonious linearity, enriched by precious coats of arms and decorations attributable in part to the Della Robbia, which underline its artistic and historical value.

The coat of arms of Palazzo d'Arnolfo

The historical coats of arms that adorn the facade of Palazzo d'Arnolfo represent the vicars and podestà who have governed the palace over the centuries, with more than 800 historical specimens, of which about 250 are still visible.

History and Art of the Coat of Arms of Palazzo d'Arnolfo

Made between 1409 and 1769, the coats of arms were painted or carved on columns, architraves and on the facade of the palace, testimony to the long political and social history of San Giovanni Valdarno. Among the most fascinating are the colorful glazed terracotta coats of arms, made by famous artists such as the Della Robbia family - with seventeen examples - and Benedetto Buglioni (1459-1521), student of Andrea Della Robbia, known for his commissions throughout Italy.

Popular legend and secrets of the art of glazed terracotta

According to a local legend, on the back of the coat of arms of Bernardo di Giovanni Iacopi is hidden the secret of the alchemical formula used by the family Della Robbia to create glazed terracotta.

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