Bandinelli palace
One of the most recognizable buildings on Rynok Square, located at No. 2, is a local landmark of Renaissance architecture. The Bandinelli Palace was built in the late 16th century. Its most famous owner was the Florentine merchant Roberto Bandinelli, after whom the palace was named.
Today, the building houses a branch of the Lviv Historical Museum, where the residential interiors of wealthy townspeople from the 17th–18th centuries have been recreated and exhibited.
Історія
After acquiring ownership of the house, the Florentine Roberto Bandinelli improved the existing postal service and received the title of "Royal Postmaster" from the Polish King Sigismund III Vasa. Mounted couriers quickly and reliably relayed postal transfers in various directions across the territory of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, due to the high cost of correspondence and the opposing actions of the city council (magistrate), the Florentine entrepreneur quickly went bankrupt. It is symbolic that a functioning Ukrposhta post office is now located in this building.
Over time, the Bandinelli Palace changed owners several times, each of whom gave it a new purpose and distinctive architectural features. In 1656, coins for the Polish royal court were even minted here.
Architecture of the Bandinelli House:
From the square, the building does not immediately appear to be a palace. However, viewing it from Stavropihiyska Street (to the left of the façade) reveals its true scale along the street.
- The first floor retains Gothic vaults from the previous medieval building.
- The façade features relief images of dolphins, symbolizing success in trade.
- Inside, wooden beams, known as svoloky, have been preserved on the ceiling of the second floor.
- Elements of white stone carvings can be seen above the door portals and window openings.
A handcrafted miniature of the Palazzo Bandinelli can be purchased at the Tourist Information Center on Rynok Square, 1 (entrance from the Neptune Fountain side).
