Medici family tour in Florence

The Medici Family and Palazzo Vecchio: a private guided tour to discover a history of power and money 

A three hour guided walking tour, that includes the visit to Palazzo Vecchio, to learn how the history of the Medici consisted of dramatic rises and ruinous falls. Virtuous characters clash with unrepentant sinners, in an epic family tale which intertwines with the destiny of a whole city.

Our guided visit starts in front of Palazzo Medici Riccardi, built in the 15th century to be the first family’s residence. Proceeding through the neighbourhood of San Lorenzo, we will reach Piazza del Duomo. Your private guide will tell you everything about the family’s involvement in the construction of what is still today considered a miracle of Renaissance architecture: the dome designed by Brunelleschi. 

Follow your guide to the heart of the political power of the city, Piazza della Signoria, and enter Palazzo Vecchio, the most impressive glorification of the Medici family.

After crossing the oldest bridge in Florence, Ponte Vecchio, you will end your private tour in front of the fulcrum of the Medici’s ambition: Palazzo Pitti, their last residence.

Where everything began: Palazzo Medici Riccardi 

The walking tour will begin with the palace that was built in the 15th century, the family’s first lordly residence, as well as the largest palazzo to be erected in Florence at the Renaissance time. Commissioned by Cosimo the Elder, during his time the palace was frequented by the greatest philosophers and artists of the era. It became the biggest cultural centre of Florence, the place where the Renaissance began to dawn.

Donatello, Botticelli and a very young Michelangelo moved their steps here.

The Medici neighbourhood: San Lorenzo

The itinerary will continue into the neighbourhood of San Lorenzo, just a few steps away from the palace. Together with your guide you will pass by their church, the one the family wanted to become their mausoleum: the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Obviously the architect in charge was the best ever: Filippo Brunelleschi, who made what is considered today a pure example of Renaissance architecture and was built according to the family’s taste and sense of scale. 

A political residence: Palazzo Vecchio 

If you talk about the Medici you must see Palazzo Vecchio. They moved into this palace in 1540, when they took power over Florence. 

Cosimo I decided to redecorate it according to the taste of the time and Giorgio Vasari, his favourite artist and best friend, was the one in charge of it. 

The Grand Duke wanted to glorify his family and his ancestors and for this reason he decided that every single room had to be dedicated to one of them. 

We will see the Hall of the Five Hundred, home to the government, so called because during the Republican time of Florence it was supposed to contain 500 members of the Great Council. We will visit the apartments of Leo X, the first Medici Pope. We will discover the symbols of the four elements into Cosimo I’s apartments, we will see Eleonor of Toledo’s rooms, the Grand Duke’s beloved wife. We will finish the visit of the palace into the Room of the geographical maps, updated to the fascinating discoveries of the 1560s. 

Palazzo Pitti, the last Medici residence

Eleonor of Toledo bought the Pitti Palace to move with the family in 1550. As the Medici became more powerful, the palace expanded in size.

Here is where the greatest dynasty in Europe came to an end and this is where our guided walk finishes.

Where did all the patrimony of the Medici go and what happened after them? Your private and expert guide will tell you all about it!

Willing to visit the interior of the Pitti Palace? Join our dedicated tour!