de’ Medici, the same architect constructed another magnificent and noble palace at Fiesole, the foundations for the lower part of which were sunk at a very great expense, in the declivity of the hill, but this was not without its equivalent advantage, since the master contrived to place in that portion of the edifice, various cellars, store-rooms, stables, and other handsome and useful appurtenances to the dwelling of a noble. Above these, and in addition to the ordinary halls, chambers, and other apartments usual in such buildings, Michelozzo constructed some for books, with others for music. He gave in short a clear proof, in this palace, of the eminent skill which he possessed in architecture, since in addition to all that we have said, it may be truly affirmed to have been built in such a manner, that although much exposed on that eminence, it has never sunk in the smallest degree. This palace[1] being completed, Michelozzo built the church and convent of the monks of San Girolamo above it, and almost at the summit of the hill, which was also done at the expense of Giovanni. The design and model of the hospital,[2] which Cosimo de’ Medici caused to be erected in Jerusalem, for the pilgrims who go to visit the sepulchre of Christ, were furnished by Michelozzo, as was the design for six of the windows in the façade of San Pietro, and which was sent to Rome by Cosimo. These windows were adorned with the arms of the Medici, but three of them have been removed in our own day, and replaced by Pope Paul III, with others bearing the arms of the Farnese family.[3] At a subsequent period, Cosimo was informed that a grievous dearth of water was suffered at Santa Maria degli Angeli, at Assisi,[4] to the great incon-
- ↑ Now called the Villa Mozzi, from the name of the family by whom it has been long possessed. The building was restored and embellished by the architect Gasparo Paoletti, in 1780.—Masselli.
- ↑ The church and convent were founded by Count Carlo Montegranelli, in the beginning of the century, and were only restored by Michelozzo. The former still exists, with a portico, added in 1634, from the design of Matteo Nigetti; the convent has been turned into a villa, and now belongs to the Cav. Prior Ricasoli. —Schorn.
- ↑ “An example by no means praiseworthy, being injurious to history, and authorizing posterity to inflict similar wrongs on the monuments of those who have failed to respect the memorials of their predecessors.”—Masselli.
- ↑ The earthquakes of 1832 inflicted serious injuries on this celebrated edifice and did great damage to the neighbourhood.—Ibid.
