Categories Special Itineraries Tours in Florence

Medici Dynasty

medici dynasty - Botticelli Medici 825x510 - Medici Dynasty
Adoration of the Magi - Botticelli - Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Medici Family Tour in Florence: Rise to Power & Legacy

The Medici Dynasty Revealed.
Discover the fascinating history of the Medici family in Florence. Explore their rise to power, their influence on the Renaissance, and their lasting legacy. Book your Medici tour today!

The Medici family ruled Florence and Tuscany for over three centuries and contributed like no other to the Renaissance movement that started in the 15th century. Coming from the Mugello area, just north of Florence, the Medici was a family of bankers that accumulated huge amount of wealth and power that lead them to become Grand Dukes of Tuscany in the 16th century and an important player in the European political and strategic scene. Among them, Cosimo the Elder is considered to be the Father of the Nation, his grandson Lorenzo the Magnificent is by excellence the perfect patron of Renaissance art, philosophy and literature. Cosimo I changed the status of the Medici Dynasty from Dukes of Florence to Gran Dukes of Tuscany and unified the region in 1555.

Here are some of the main members of the Medici family, who played significant roles in the history of Florence and beyond:

  • Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici (1360-1429): Founder of the Medici Bank, which laid the foundation for the family’s wealth and influence.
  • Cosimo de’ Medici (1389-1464): Known as “Cosimo the Elder“, he was the first Medici to become the de facto ruler of Florence. A patron of the arts, he supported artists like Donatello and Brunelleschi.
  • Piero de’ Medici (1416-1469): Son of Cosimo, he continued the family’s rule but was less interested in the arts.
  • Lorenzo de’ Medici (1449-1492): Known as “Lorenzo the Magnificent,” he was a renowned statesman, diplomat, and patron of the arts. He supported artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
  • Catherine de’ Medici (1519-1589): Queen of France, she played a pivotal role in French politics during the 16th century.
  • Cosimo I de’ Medici (1519-1574): The first Grand Duke of Tuscany, he consolidated the Medici’s power and expanded their territory.
  • Marie de’ Medici (1575-1642): Queen of France, she was the mother of King Louis XIII and played a significant role in French politics.

Among the family members, two became Popes in times critical to the Church future and doctrine. While declining in the 17th century and ending in the 18th century, the Medici dynasty left their mark on Florence and Tuscany, and consequently on the world, like few others did.

Travel back in time and understand how this great family shaped history and politics in the times of the Tuscan state and sponsored the art you see now in Florence and Tuscany.

Half Day Medici Tour | 3 Hours

This introductory tour begins with a historical presentation of events related to Florence and the Medici, tracing the roots and raising to be the most powerful family in Florence in the 15th century while visiting important monuments and palaces in the historical center of Florence.

DETAILS
Meeting at your hotel or an established location. Introduction to the tour and explanation of the historical moment and facts. Walking tour starting from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, San Lorenzo church and square, Duomo square, walk to Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi square and the Oltrarno neighborhood with a special stop at Palazzo Pitti, the Medici residence from the mid 16th century till 1737.

This is a walking and historical tour without museums visit.

PARTICIPANTS | Up to 9 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
DURATION | 3 hours approx.
SCHEDULES | Daily, starts in morning and afternoon.
FEE | From 290 Euro.

Full Day Medici Tour | 7 Hours

In-depth journey into the legacy of the Medici family with special visits to their Palaces and art collection in various museums in Florence.

DETAILS
Meeting at your hotel or an established location. Introduction to the tour and explanation of the historical moments and facts. Walking tour starting at Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and visit to the palace museum, San Lorenzo church and the Medici Chapels, Duomo square, walk to Piazza della Signoria and visit inside Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi square and the Oltrarno neighborhood with a special stop at Palazzo Pitti and visit to the Boboli Gardens.

Experience more with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery and/or Accademia Gallery.
Visits by car to the Medici Villas around Florence also available.

PARTICIPANTS | Up to 9 people. Please inquire about larger groups.
DURATION | 7 hours approx.
SCHEDULES | Daily, starts in morning and afternoon.
FEE* | From 580 Euro.

* Museums entrance fee not included, prices vary from 8 to 30 Euro per person per museum. We can arrange for museum ticket reservation (highly recommended due to long waiting lines), please inquire.

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