On the second floor of Palazzo Davanzati there is the bridal chamber of Tommaso Davizzi and of Catelana degli Alberti. This bedroom is especially interesting because there are the frescos with the story of the Chatelaine de Virgy: an intrigue of love, seduction and betrayal that ends in tragedy. This story appeared for the first time in France around 1280 and quickly became very popular.

If you want to discover it with us, come to Florence and get a tour with us. Meanwhile you can read the story, imaging to be in the Middle ages…

…The Duke of Burgundy goes hunting and his wife the Duchess invites to the castle William Cavalier for palying chess. She tries to seduce him but in vain because he is secretly in love with the Chatelaine de Vergy (as represented in the first scene of the fresco).

The Duchess, refused by the young knight, is very offended and when her husband comes back she accuses the knight of having tried to seduce her. The Duke convenes William who, as a prove of his innocence, invites the Duke to observe him when alone with the Duchess, pretending to be in love with her.

The Duke got very angry and would like to punish his wife but she manages not only to calm him down, going to bed with him (you actually see the topless Duchess in bed with him!) but she even manages to be told the person loved by William.

The wicked woman organises a big party for all the very important people of the region and during it she tells everyone that the Chatelaine and William Cavalier are lovers.
For shame the Chatelaine kills herself with a sword. William does the same, seeing his beloved dead and the Duke punishes the Duchess slashing her throat.

Compared to this incredible story, our today soap operas are nothing but short stories for kids! Palazzo Davanzati is one of the attractions of our tours. Have a look to our website: www.guidedflorence.1up.it