Palazzo Bernardini

The architecture of Palazzo Bernardini stands out for its Mannerist style inspired by the great Florentine residences, with an imposing façade distinguished by rusticated stonework on the ground floor, flat columns integrated into the wall and inspired by the Doric style of ancient Greece, and a large decorated monumental portal. The first floor features twin mullioned windows, meaning windows divided into two sections by a slender central stone column. Take a moment to notice the typical Italian shutters that open from the bottom, divided into two horizontal sections so the lower part can be raised to let in air while still protecting from light and outside views; they are very common in Tuscany, especially in Lucca with its narrow streets, helping to preserve residents’ privacy. Built at the beginning of the 16th century along the former Via Francigena, once used by pilgrims on their way to Rome, the palace is best known today for the famous Devil’s Stone, visible on the first window to the right of the entrance. So feel free to step a little closer, there is nothing to fear! If you look carefully at the frame of this window, you will notice that one of the stones is slightly curved, as if it had been deformed or twisted. According to local legend, the Bernardini family had the old buildings opposite the palace demolished to allow more light to enter, including a small church that housed an image of the Virgin Mary, and once deprived of this divine protection the Devil was free to act. It’s said that he mocked the architect, claiming he’d never finish the palace, before touching the last stone of the window with his claws, irreparably distorting it. Several attempts were made to fix it, including using iron structures, but none worked. But don’t worry, the devil's stone didn’t stop the palace from standing strong.