A refined Florentine palace in Oltrarno, this 19th-century residence combines austere baroque aesthetics with intimate domestic spaces, now home to the Karl Stengel collection and Studio Abba.
At a glance
Palazzo Rosselli del Turco stands as a distinguished example of Florentine palazzo architecture, characterized by its restrained baroque facade and elegant proportions. The building organizes itself around a small internal courtyard, preserving traditional domestic arrangements alongside contemporary cultural use.
History
Purchased in 1851 by Cavaliere Luca Rosselli Del Turco (1826–1882) upon his marriage to Countess Vittoria Sassatelli of Imola, the last of her family’s main branch, the palazzo became the seat of a dynasty that united the Rosselli and Sassatelli names. The family retained ownership until 1922, preserving the residence across generations before its transition to cultural institutions.
What you see
The facade exemplifies sober Florentine baroque: light plaster contrasts with pietra serena stone elements including two tiers of arched windows on the principal floors, horizontal string courses, rectangular ground-floor openings, and an elaborate portal. A noble coat of arms adorns the center, though it does not belong to the Rosselli Del Turco family.
The internal courtyard contains a well, fountain, and sculptural fragments. A corridor descends toward partially underground chambers, where 19th-century frescoes in medieval style testify to domestic refinement and historical layering.
Cultural significance
Today the palazzo functions as an active center for art and conservation, housing the Karl Stengel collection and Studio Abba. Its transformation from aristocratic residence to cultural venue reflects contemporary approaches to preserving Florence’s architectural legacy while sustaining intellectual and artistic practice.
Key facts
- Address: Via dei Serragli, 17, Florence
- Coordinates: 43.767881, 11.2458611
- Website: studioabba.com
- Current use: Karl Stengel collection and Studio Abba
Practical information
Hours of access and admission details are not listed; consult the official website or contact Studio Abba for visiting arrangements and current programming.
Getting there
The palazzo is located on Via dei Serragli in the Oltrarno district, south of the Arno River. Public transport and walking access are available throughout this residential and cultural quarter of Florence.
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