Officially founded on May 15, 1735, at the initiative of Giovanni Girolamo de' Pazzi, the Florentine "Colombaria" Society was dedicated to carrying out historical, philological and scientific studies, encompassing all of the various disciplines according to an "encyclopaedic" vision. Since the date of its foundation, the members had called themselves and the places they frequented by names related to the life of doves (colombi): the tower, which was originally one of the ancient towers belonging to the Pazzi family, was called "Colombaia" (dovecot), the room on the ground floor provided by the Pazzi was called the "Covo" (nest); the houses of the "doves", where their meetings were often held, were known as "Posatoi" (roosts). Furthermore, each member of the Society took a name referring to the various kinds of doves: Giovanni Girolamo de' Pazzi was the Torraiolo, Bindo Simone Peruzzi the Domestico and so on. Each member was issued a diploma with his own particular name. This custom was abandoned in 1834.

Originally formed of only sixteen members, the Society grew rapidly, acquiring a museum and a library. Toward the middle of the 18th century, although the academic activity had diminished, two "colonies" of "doves" were established, one in Palermo, the other in Livorno. In the early years of the 19th century the Society was reorganised and launched a program of archaeological and historic research. At present it conducts and promotes study and research of scientific and humanist nature.