Roman models influenced the characteristics of the private palaces in southern Tuscany, because of the presence in the area of patron families (the Del Monte in Monte San Savino) that had stronger links with the papal court than with that of the Medici in Florence. This is seen in the Palazzo Del Monte, notable for the heaviness of its ashlar first floor and the niched windows (the central one of which has a balcony), framed by the pilaster strips that divide the top floor.
