Medici Walking Tour -Small Group
Description
Medici between Art and Power -Walking tour The Medici Family tour will tell you the story of the most important and powerful family in the city of Florence. Banking, commerce and religious influence led the Medici Family to became one of the most powerful families in Florence. Our professional guide will lead you on a journey across years of history preserved in architectural buildings, and works of art, all sponsored by the Medici family. 1 hour and 30 min tour .
Tour Options
Itinerary
Palazzo Medici Riccardi was built for Cosimo il Vecchio by Michelozzo after 1444 as his town mansion on via Larga today via Cavour . Apart from the fine exterior, the main courtyard with classical relief in the tondi survives from this time , as well as Michelozzo's lovely little chapel on the first floor and the frescoes Cosimo commissioned for it from Benozzo Gozzoli.
The church of was intimately connected with the Medici after they commissioned Brunelleschi to rebuild it in 1425 with their own family funds . It is the burial place of all the principal members of the family from Cosimo il Vecchio to Cosimo III .
The Cappella dei Principi is the opulent mausoleum of the Medici grand dukes .It has been undergoing restoration since 1999. Ferdinando I decided to create the chapel , wich he intended to have decorated with plasters of costly jasper . A back passage connects the Cappella dei Principi to the New sacristy , was build to balance Brunelleschi's old Sacristy by Michelangelo . Inside you can see the tombs of the Medici family decorated with the statues carved by Michelangelo .
The Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore was built by Brunelleschi, the architect who worked for the Medici family.
The impressive 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio is still preeminent with its crenellated tower. The square is also shared with the Loggia della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Palace of the Tribunale della Mercanzia and the Palazzo Uguccioni ,with a facade attributed to Raphael, who however died thirty years before its construction. Various imposing statues ring this square including: Copy of Michelangelo's David, the original by Michelangelo is housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia, adjacent to the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts. Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I, honoring Cosimo I de' Medici and sculpted by Giambologna Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati Il Marzocco, (the Lion) with a copy of the Florentine Lily, originally made by Donatello Judith and Holofernes, by Donatello Hercules and Cacus, by Bandinelli The Rape of the Sabine Women, in the Loggia dei Lanzi by Giambologna Perseus with the Head of Medusa, in the Loggia dei Lanzi .etc
One of the most important Italian museums and the most visited, it is also one of the largest and best known in the world and holds a collection of priceless works, particularly from the period of the Italian Renaissance.
The palace was bought by the Medici family in 1549 and became the chief residence of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. It grew as a great treasure house as later generations amassed paintings, plates, jewelry and luxurious possessions.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(27)
Very informative. Guide personable friendly and informed. Go early as it gets very hot and crowded along the way.
Awesome tour!! Very recommended for history buffs! Tour guide was so impressive with the tour and history of the the Italy.
The walk was great. The guide is a local with astounding knowledge and even greater passion for storytelling. It was a great way to get a behind the scene glimpse of florence.
Francesco is an aextraordinary guide. Hé is clearly a fine human Being with a vast and interesting knowledge.
There is honestly very little information about the Medicis, and I feel like this tour is mislabeled. If it were called the Florence highlights tour, it would be a more accurate name. I booked this because I am a huge history nerd and was hoping to have someone indulge that while in the locations the Medicis walked. They mentioned the Pitti’s at the very end but left out the most interesting interaction between the two families; an assassination attempt and exile!
Was truly the best and most interesting tour we did in Italy - was filled with information about the Medicis and was a nice introduction to Florence. Tour guide was amazing, very nice and could answer any questions we had
We had great time very knowledgeable guide, amazing tour The guide were really informed and funny. The guide was on time.
I booked this amazing walking tour and absolutely loved it! The Medici history was fascinating, the guide was super knowledgeable, and the stops were stunning. It’s a must-do experience if you're visiting Florence!
Francisco was a great guide. He combined extensive knowledge about Florence history and art with his enthusiastic personality. Among the best walking tours ever!
Excellent guide. Although we were unable to go on the walk we had booked, Francesco brought the visit to the gallery and statue of David to life with plenty of Medici information thrown in.
