Description
Palazzo Lanfranchi is a palace on Lungarno Galilei, in Pisa, formed by joining several medieval houses: since 2007 it has housed the Museo della Grafica, run by the city and the University. It's worth a visit for its drawings and prints, and for a building whose walls let you read its history.
The museum holds the University's Drawings and Prints Collection and a collection of contemporary graphic art started in 1958 by Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti.
The façade on the Arno, rebuilt in the 16th century, has its portal shifted to the left, beneath a small balcony with the family coat of arms. Along the side, the verrucano pillars, the brick arches and the walled-up windows of the oldest houses remain; at the back stands a medieval tower in stone and brick.
Inside, Massimo Carmassi's restoration uncovered the old masonry and remains of 14th-century frescoes, including the vair painting, which imitates fur.
The Lanfranchi lived here until the 19th century; in 1952 their heirs sold it to the city.
The museum holds the University's Drawings and Prints Collection and a collection of contemporary graphic art started in 1958 by Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti.
The façade on the Arno, rebuilt in the 16th century, has its portal shifted to the left, beneath a small balcony with the family coat of arms. Along the side, the verrucano pillars, the brick arches and the walled-up windows of the oldest houses remain; at the back stands a medieval tower in stone and brick.
Inside, Massimo Carmassi's restoration uncovered the old masonry and remains of 14th-century frescoes, including the vair painting, which imitates fur.
The Lanfranchi lived here until the 19th century; in 1952 their heirs sold it to the city.