Via Maggio

Lonely Planet review

No, it doesn't mean May St, but rather Via Maggiore (Main St). In the 16th century this was a rather posh address, as the line-up of fine Renaissance mansions duly attests. Palazzo di Bianca Cappello, at No 26, has the most eye-catching façade, covered as it is in graffiti designs. As a fugitive from Venice and Francesco I de' Medici's lover and later wife lived here, Ms Cappello didn't know too many dull moments.

Across the street, a series of imposing mansions more or less follow the same Renaissance or Renaissance-inspired style. They include the Palazzo Ricasoli-Ridolfi (No 7), Palazzo Martellini (No 9), Palazzo Michelozzi (No 11), Palazzo Zanchini (No 13) and Palazzo di Cosimo Ridolfi (No 15). All were built and modified, not always favourably, over the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Another impressive one is the Palazzo Corsini-Suarez (No 42).