About this experience
It's hard to imagine what Florence would be like today without the Medici. Their ancestors had no drop of blue blood in their veins. However, representatives of this amazing dynasty held the reins of power for three centuries and gave the world a unique cultural heritage. On this tour, you will learn how they managed to do it.
What to expect
We will talk about the formation of the Medici family, starting from the commercial and financial ambitions of its founders. Then we will delve into the era of the dynasty's heyday, during which Florence became the largest cultural center in Europe. We will also examine the reasons and consequences of its decline. I will show you iconic places inseparably linked to the activities of the Medici and tell you many little-known facts that will complement your colorful picture of impressions. So, the program includes:
- The Old Market, now the Republic Square, where the Medici built their first houses.
- Duomo Square, where we will examine some interesting details of the Baptistery's "Gates of Paradise", talk about Brunelleschi's monumental dome, the key historical moments that became fateful for Florence thanks to the Medici, and one of the bloodiest stories - the Pazzi conspiracy.
- Medici Palace, whose style served as a model for secular architecture of the Florentine Renaissance. We will visit the chapel where the family members are immortalized in wall frescoes on the theme of the "Procession of the Magi". You will learn why this plot was so dear to the Medici.
- San Lorenzo Church, where Giovanni di Bicci, the progenitor of the dynasty and the founder of the Medici bank, is buried, as well as Cosimo the Elder, who entered the history of Florence as the "Father of the Fatherland".
- Medici Chapels, where almost all representatives of the family are buried.
- New Sacristy - Michelangelo's last Florentine masterpiece and the burial place of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Giuliano. Here we will get acquainted with the amazing idea of the great sculptor and talk about his complex and contradictory relationships with the Medici.
Organizational details
- An extended version of the tour is possible (5 hours, €364). In this case, 2 additional locations are added to the route: Signoria Square and Pitti Square.
- The tour will be interesting for adults and adolescents from 16-17 years old. But if you wish, you can also take small children with you.
- Palazzo Medici is closed on Wednesdays, Basilica San Lorenzo - on Sundays, Medici Chapels - on Tuesdays
Ticket prices for museums are paid separately:
Palazzo Medici - €10
Basilica San Lorenzo - €9
Medici Chapels - €10
