The Palazzo Blu is a historic building in the center of Pisa. The original name of this palace was Palazzo dell’Agnello, It is presently the seat of a museum with a small permanent collection, but mostly hosting temporary exhibitions.
A brief history of the Palazzo Blu in Pisa
In the late Middle Ages the current Palazzo Blu was owned by one of the most important families in the history of Pisa, the Dell’Agnello. At that time it actually consisted of two neighboring tower houses. In 1356 these were connected by the family by means of a footbridge to another house.
In 1368 the family was banished from Pisa, but managed to keep the palace.
It was not until the 16th century that the palace changed hands. First the Sancasciani bought it and then the Del Testa took over.
Before the Bracci Cambini bought the building (1789) the facade was refurbished and rebuilt.
In 1807 it passed into the hands of the noble Archinto family, who bought part of the surrounding land in order to extend the facade to the west. The old footbridge was closed and a narrow alleyway to the Santa Cristina Church created.
The colour of the palace also dates from this period.
In 1864, the palace was bought by another nobleman, Domenico Giuli. Giuli added a new wing, making the facade symmetrical again. He also connected the building to another property, the Palazzo Casarosa.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the Palazzo Blu was purchased by the Fondazione Pisa and from then on it has been used as an exhibition space and cultural center.
Address, Opening hours and Admission
The address of the Palazzo Blu is Lungarno Gambacorti, 9 – Pisa (tel. +39 0502204650). Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00 and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 20:00. Last admission is one hour before closing time. Admission 2020: 3 Euros; family ticket: 6 Euros.
Palazzo Blu – Lungarno Gambacorti 9, Pisa
Bibliography
Bertini, Luca, Pisa itinerari. Guida alla visita della città .
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