Tour n° 2: Florence of the Medici
The itinerary winds through the most significant places of the Medici family, which for more than three centuries linked its history to that of Florence.
The so-called ‘lineage of Cafaggiolo’ left indelible traces not only in the political, economic and cultural life of the city, but also in its urban layout, thanks to an ever-increasing economic power and patronage of the highest level, involving the most prominent personalities of the artistic and cultural world such as Brunelleschi, Michelozzo, Donatello and Michelangelo.
During the tour we will retrace the rise of the family that saw in culture and art an act of socio-political supremacy, giving the city monuments of extraordinary charm.
Highlights of the tour include:
Itinerary
First Stage
The district of San Lorenzo with its splendid Basilica, since the 15th century the sacellum of the Medici, and finally the grand ducal state church. Here artists such as Brunelleschi and Michelangelo created some of the highest expressions of Renaissance art with the creation of the Old Sacristy and the New Sacristy.
Not far from the Basilica is the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the first residence of the Medici family. A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, the work of Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, the palace was the birthplace of the most important members of the main branch of the family and is an expression of the growing dominance the family achieved in the city.
Second stage
The Palazzo della Signoria has always been a symbol of power, elected from the first half of the 16th century as the new Medici residence. The renovation of the building promoted by Cosimo I is the expression of the new needs of the family now raised to a new rank as they were invested with the title of Dukes and then Grand Dukes. In dialogue with the palace is the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, which, with its masterpieces, bears witness to the succession of governments over the centuries.
Third Stage
The Pitti Palace was the last grandiose residence of the Medici, a true royal palace, the highest expression of the nascent Grand Duchy. From the 18th century onwards, it welcomed the new Habsburg-Lorraine grand dukes and then passed to the Crown of Italy in 1860, becoming the palace of the Savoy family during the years of Florence’s capital. Today it houses, among other museums, the Palatine Gallery, the “Museo degli Argenti” museeum and, last but not least, the Boboli Gardens, a splendid Italian garden, a real jewel both for its architectural layout and for its collection of antique and Renaissance sculptures.
What is included
- Guided tour in the language of your choice, with licensed guide
Optional
- It is possible to add a professional photo shoot as a memento of the experience
- Earphones: € 2.00 per pax
Not included
The entrance ticket to churches or museums and any other service not mentioned under “What’s included’.
Tips
Customise your tour with a visit to one or more of the above-mentioned museums, contact me and let’s plan your “The City Presents Itself” together.
Contact me
For more information you can call: +39 333 4570585 or send a whatsapp message directly. Alternatively you can write an email to: info@topflorencetours.com. We are at your disposal to plan a guided tour of Florence to discover its squares, bridges and monuments or to visit the city’s museums, with priority entrance, such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, the Palazzo Vecchio Museum, the Medici Chapels, the Opera del Duomo Museum and the Bargello Museum.
Specification: Tour n° 2: Florence of the Medici
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