About this experience
The Medicis ruled Florence for three hundred years, and the founder of the family was the son of a merchant, Cosimo the Elder, who later became a prominent political figure and owner of the largest estate in Europe. The dramatic history of the family left its mark all over Italy, as they were the ones who aspired to power and universal recognition like no one else, stopping at nothing until they received the titles of dukes and grand princes of the Tuscan region. I will tell you about the history of the family, intrigues and secrets, as well as Cosimo's influence on the formation of Florence.
What to Expect
The influence of Cosimo the Elder in Florence is hard to overestimate. It is no coincidence that the residents themselves gave him the honorary title 'Father of the Nation,' as he contributed to the city becoming the capital of Tuscany, was one of the first patrons, and founded the public city library. Following in his footsteps, the Medicis would support the great masters of their era, such as Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo. The upcoming revolution will deal a heavy blow to the Middle Ages and give birth to a new era, known as the Renaissance. At the roots of these cardinal changes stand the Medicis led by Cosimo the Elder.
During the tour, you will learn interesting facts about the Medici family and Cosimo the Elder, visit architectural monuments associated with them:
- The Monastery of San Marco, the reconstruction of which became possible thanks to Cosimo;
- The first Medici Palace 'Palazzo Medici-Riccardi';
- The burial place and temple of the Medici family - the Church of St. Lawrence, created by Brunelleschi according to classical canons. In this church, Cosimo the Elder, his father Giovanni, and the great Donatello found their final resting place.
Using the history of one of the most famous Italian families, you will be able to trace the entire chronology of Florence's formation as a political and cultural center.
Organizational Details
- Entrance tickets to 'Palazzo Medici-Riccardi' are paid separately (7 euros for adults and 4 euros for teenagers)
- An audio system is used for groups of 5 people or more - 1 euro per person
