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Palazzo dei Cerchi is a prestigious and ancient building located in the center of Florence, at the corner of Via della Condotta and Vicolo dei Cerchi, next to the famous Piazza della Signoria. When Kent State acquired the facility in 2003 a complete renovation was undertaken and completed in January of 2004. Cerchi's original exterior was maintained and reflects Florence as it was in the 13th century. The interior renovation included structural reinforcements, technical repairs and artistic restoration. The restoration carefully preserved the original structure and created an efficient space for academic purposes. Today Cerchi's exterior appears much as it did in early times with an interior that houses state-of-the art classrooms. |
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When the Cerchis’ wealth faded, the history of the palace became obscure until the fifteenth century, when the building became a studio space for Renaissance painters. In April 1527, an important capitulation was signed in the palace, which reintegrated the Medici powers on Florence. Nineteen years later, Cosimo I de’ Medici established the ducal printing house in Cerchi. The palace was used in that capacity until the end of the nineteenth century, though in 1630, part of the building was given to the Order of Calasanzio Fathers by Grand Duke Ferdinand de’ Medici. At the end of the 1800’s, the palace again became privately owned. Palazzo dei Cerchi is characterized by outstanding medieval features, and it still shows its original aspect and inner distribution of space. The second floor hall is paved with stones from the 13th century and most of the wooden ceilings are decorated with precious tempered paintings. Of considerable historical value are the many frescoes. They represent medieval life scenes, ancient Florentine families, coat of arms and decorative elements. All frescoes date from the 13th century and are of great artistic and historic value. The last restoration of Palazzo dei Cerchi was at the time when Florence was capital of Italy from 1860 to 1864. The palace has been empty and unused since 1982. Since then, many projects were proposed, but until the final restorations, undertaken when Kent State University decided to house its Florence Program in the building, none had been carried out. |
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Cerchi has been the location of remarkable
events in the Florence's history. Medieval Florentine chroniclers have
referred to it since the thirteenth century. The Palazzo was built by the Cerchi as an extension of other buildings owned by the family. The Cerchis
were a powerful clan of White Guelphs who became very wealthy from their
commercial and banking activities. The importance of the family, as well
as that of the building, was so relevant that, beginning in 1293, the
Gonfaloniere and the Priori (the city executive powers) had their
residence in the Cerchi, where they stayed until Palazzo
Vecchio was completed in 1333. According to some sources, Dante Alighieri
worked at the palace.
