The Medici Family in Florence - A royal history.

The most powerful and influential family in florence awaits you! Here's what you should visit to walk in their footsteps.

The Medici family or the House of Medici, first gained political power in Florence in the 13th century through its success in commerce and banking. With the ingenious figure of Cosimo de Medici, the family made it clear from the beginning that it wanted to support Arts & humanities in Florence, with the goal to make the city the cultural centre of Italy, even Europe. The Medici family ruled indirectly over Florence for centuries, with powerful figures such as Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici or Lorenzo il Magnifico. But it also left its mark in Rome, as four popes were issued from the Medici. After three centuries, the dynasty died in 1737 with the death of the last medici ruler without an heir.

Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

The palace was commissioned by Cosimo (il vecchio) di Medici, and built by architect Michelozzo between 1444 and 1459. The architecture is remarkable and nothing is lacking in detail. The massive facade is impressive with its rustic boss and the three typical decreasing levels who contributes to adding an effect of perspective to the building. The open courtyard with peristyle, of Roman inspiration, is also quite lovely.

Inside, you can find various rooms, the most famous one being the « Cappella dei Magi » which offers a cycle of frescoes of high quality made by Benozzo Gozzoli. One important aspect lies in the details : portraits of members of the Medici family : Piero il Gottoso, Cosimo di Medici, Lorenzo il Magnifico etc.

• official website : https://www.palazzomediciriccardi.it/

Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is probably Florence’s most famous symbol after the Duomo. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria. That is the reason why it was originally named « Palazzo della Signoria ». As The political center of florence for dozens of years, it has been the stage of many historical events such as the death of Savonarola in 1498.

Regarding the Medici, the major step was taken when Duke Cosimo I de Medici decided to transfer his official seat and quarters here in 1540, leaving behind the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi which I talked about before. But it is also Cosimo I who decided to rename it as "the old palace" when he decided to move to the Palazzo Pitti and changed the government's administrative quarters to the Uffizi.

To be as practical as possible, and because he certainly didn't enjoy wasting time, Cosimo I de Medici commissioned Giorgio Vasari to build what is nowadays called the Corridoio-Vasariano , a corridor going from the Palazzo Vecchio through the Uffizi which ends up at Palazzo Pitti.

• learn more about it here : https://www.virtualuffizi.com/vasari-corridor---a-unique-promenade-in-florence.html

Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti was originally the residence of a florentine banker before becoming a Medici official residence in 1549 when it was bought by Eleonora di Tolelo, future wife of Cosimo I . Located on the south side of the Arno River, it dates back to 1458 but underwent massive changes and enlargement under the supervision of Vasari and later Ammanati. It is mostly known for being the main residence of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Nowadays, The palazzo is the largest museum complex in Florence and holds wonderful collections of paintings in the Palatine Gallery, but also textiles, jewels, sculptures. It illustrates the magnificence, the splendor, the golden age of the Medici family.

learn more about the Palace's history here => https://www.uffizi.it/en/pitti-palace/history