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| The Medici had a very
close relationship with Florence for more than three centuries. They influenced the city
and were influenced by her. Cosimo the Elder, called Pater Patriae, held both
public and private power in town. So did his grandson Lorenzo, called the Magnificent. As
active merchants and bankers the Medici handled important financial affairs with the
Church and the most important European courts. They reached the Papacy with Leo X and
Clement VII, the throne of France with Henry II's bride Catherine and Maria who married
Henry IV. The Medici patronized art, favoured the ribirth of antiquity, developed learning
and promoted science. They made Florence the capital of a rich and powerful well respected
Principate. An itinerary in search of the Medici cannot but start from the Medici Palace, built in 1444 by Michelozzo for Cosimo the Elder. In the renaissance courtyard one can see the Medici coat of arms and at the first floor visit the small, but richly decorated Chapel where Lorenzo's resemblance with the younger of the three kings emphasizes the political and civil weight of the Medici. |
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| In the nearby piazza
Signoria and Palazzo
Vecchio the achievement of monarchical power by the Medici is clearly
visible. Sculptures in the square as well as those under the Loggia, called in XVIth
Century of 'the Lanzi', emphasize the might of Medici Grandukes: Bandinelli's Hercules and
Cacus , Cellini's Perseus, Ammannati's Neptune, Giambologna's Rape
of the Sabine and the Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I. Furthermore, in the
courtyard and inside Palazzo Vecchio the visitor notice the various changes wanted by
Cosimo I and his wife Eleonora of Toledo. Giorgio Vasari and his several assistants
transformed the Palace of old Republican regime into a great Ducal Palace , lavishly
decorated with paintings and sculptures. Cosimo I's climax was reached when the Uffizi were built in 1560 and later Vasari was charged to link Palazzo Vecchio with the newly acquired Pitti Palace, thanks to the Corridor built in 1565 over the old shops at Ponte Vecchio. Although the Uffizi were used for the administration of the Granduchy, the top floor was turned into one of the most prestigious art collections. Buontalenti designed the Tribune as a magic jewel box containing precious items, painting and sculptures of amazing value. |
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| At Pitti Palace and in the
magnificent Boboli gardens, designed by
Tribolo in 1550, the Medici lived as successful sovereigns sorrounding themselves with
high quality works of art and really fascinating pomp. At least one of the several country
Medici villas should be visited to end the Medici tour properly, either at Careggi,
Castello, Petraia or Poggio Imperiale in the outskirt of Florence and, in the sorroundings
of the city, at Poggio a Caiano, Cerreto Guidi, Pratolino or Cafaggiolo. |
 The Pitti Palace  Villa Medicea La Petraia |
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