Florence: Medici Family History Tour

Florence’s captivating Medici Family History Tour takes visitors on a journey through the dynasty’s remarkable legacy. Exploring the family’s architectural and cultural imprint, the tour delves into the power struggles that shaped Renaissance Florence. With stops at iconic sites like the Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Piazza San Lorenzo, this immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the Medici’s influential reign. Whether you’re a history buff or simply intrigued by the allure of Florence, this tour promises to captivate and enlighten.

Key Points

• This guided tour explores the influential Medici family’s history and legacy in Florence, visiting key sites like the Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Basilica of San Lorenzo.
• Guests can learn about the Medici’s architectural and cultural impact, as well as the power struggles between prominent Florentine families during the Renaissance period.
• The 2-hour walking tour includes guided visits to enemy family palaces, such as the Strozzi, Albizi, and Pazzi, providing historical context on the rise and fall of the Medici dynasty.
• Highlights include the Chapel of the Magi, painted by Benozzo Gozzoli, and the opportunity to see the Medici Chapels, which house the tombs of notable family members.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, available in multiple languages, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Florence: Medici Family History Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the influential Medici family’s legacy in the city.

Priced from $127.30 per person, this 2-hour walking tour is limited to just 8 participants and available in multiple languages.

Accessible for wheelchair users, the tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests start at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, then visit key Medici-linked sites like Piazza San Lorenzo, Piazza del Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria, before returning to the starting point.

An official guide provides skip-the-line access and shares insights into the Medici family’s prominent role in the Renaissance.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, this tour takes guests on a journey through the symbolic places of the influential Medici family in Florence.

The tour visits key sites like Piazza San Lorenzo, Piazza del Duomo in Siena, and Piazza della Signoria, offering guided tours and sightseeing opportunities.

This tour visits iconic Florentine and Sienese piazzas, providing guided tours and sightseeing opportunities along the way.

Guests will discover enemy family palaces, including the Strozzi, Albizi, and Pazzi.

They’ll also experience the Chapel of the Magi, painted by Benozzo Gozzoli, and a secret place where Michelangelo learned sculpting.

The tour culminates with a return to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the heart of the Medici dynasty.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi

As the starting point of the tour, the Palazzo Medici Riccardi stands as a testament to the Medici family’s architectural and cultural legacy.

Visitors explore the opulent interiors, including the famed Chapel of the Magi, adorned with Benozzo Gozzoli’s stunning frescoes.

The palace is where Cosimo the Elder, the patriarch of the Medici dynasty, lived. It was also the birthplace of Lorenzo the Magnificent, whose patronage of the arts propelled Florence into the Renaissance.

Guests discover the secrets of this influential family and the spaces where Michelangelo honed his sculpting skills as a young apprentice.

Piazza San Lorenzo

From the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the tour proceeds to Piazza San Lorenzo, a historic square central to the Medici family’s influence in Florence.

The guide leads guests through the piazza, pointing out the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici’s parish church, and the adjacent Medici Chapels, which house the tombs of illustrious Medici members.

The Medici’s parish church and the adjacent Medici Chapels, housing the tombs of illustrious family members, stand as testaments to their influence in Florence.

Visitors learn about the Medici’s patronage of the arts, as the square is surrounded by workshops where renowned sculptors and artists, like Michelangelo, once worked.

The tour explores how this bustling public space reflects the Medici family’s power and legacy in the city.

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Piazza Del Duomo, Siena

Next, the tour moves to Piazza del Duomo in Siena. Here, the guide leads the group on a tour of this iconic square, home to the Siena Cathedral.

Visitors marvel at the stunning Romanesque-Gothic architecture and intricate marble façade. The group explores the square, taking in the towering bell tower and learning about the history and significance of this important religious and civic center.

With the guide’s insights, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the Medici family’s influence in Siena and its role in shaping the city’s architectural heritage.

The tour then returns to Florence.

Piazza Della Signoria

The tour then proceeds to Piazza della Signoria, the central square of Florence and a hub of political power during the Medici dynasty.

This impressive open-air sculpture gallery features the dramatic Fountain of Neptune and the iconic Palazzo Vecchio, the former seat of Florentine government.

Visitors marvel at the towering statues, including Michelangelo’s David replica and the imposing figure of Cosimo I de’ Medici.

The guide recounts the Medici’s rise to power and their bitter rivalries, setting the stage for the family’s enduring influence on the city’s art, architecture, and culture.

Notable Sites

Several notable sites are visited on the Medici Family History Tour in Florence. The tour passes by Palazzo Strozzi, the once-rival family’s palace.

Nearby is Palazzo Albizi, another prominent family’s residence. The iconic Palazzo Vecchio, the former seat of Florentine government, is seen from the outside.

These majestic buildings symbolize the power struggles and rivalries between the ruling families of Renaissance Florence. The tour provides context and history about the significance of these sites and their connections to the rise and fall of the mighty Medici dynasty.

Tour Experience and Inclusions

One key aspect of the Medici Family History Tour is the immersive experience it provides. Guests explore symbolic places that were central to the Medici family’s influence during the Renaissance.

The tour includes skip-the-line access to key monuments, allowing participants to maximize their time. An official guide leads the small group, sharing insights into the TV series "The Medici" and educating them on influential figures like Lorenzo the Magnificent.

The tour also includes visits to enemy family palaces, offering a well-rounded perspective on the Medici’s complex history. The tour delivers an engaging and informative look at Florence’s Medici legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes skip-the-line access and an official guide, but outside snacks and beverages aren’t permitted. You’ll need to plan your meals separately from the scheduled tour activities.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance for the Tour?

Yes, it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance for this tour. Tickets can be reserved online, securing your spot and skip-the-line access to the monuments visited during the 2-hour walking tour.

What Should I Wear to Be Comfortable During the Walking Tour?

For a comfortable walking tour, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are recommended, as the temperature can fluctuate during the 2-hour duration. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should check with the guide at the start for any specific restrictions. Most sites welcome photos, allowing you to capture memories of your experience.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point to Explore on My Own?

Participants generally must remain with the tour group throughout the experience. Leaving the group on your own is typically not allowed, as it could disrupt the flow of the guided tour and activities. Check with the tour operator for any exceptions or flexibility.

The Sum Up

The Florence: Medici Family History Tour offers an immersive exploration of the Medici dynasty’s influential legacy in Renaissance Florence. With a small group size, guided visits to key sites, and insights into the family’s architectural and cultural contributions, this tour provides a captivating glimpse into the power struggles that shaped the city. It’s a must-do experience for history enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of Florence’s remarkable past.

You can check availability for your dates here: