Florence Medici Tour: Portrait of a Family

The Medici dynasty revealed: Explore Florentine history with an expert

$505 and up

Private

$148/pp

Small group

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: Art
Duration: 3.5 hours
Location: Florence

Photos & Highlights

See Florence through the eyes of the Medici family and their thematic, in-depth experiences
Led by an expert art or social historian
Museum of San Marco, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Medici Chapels, and Magi Chapel

Tour Description

While walking Florence, one can't help but run into the symbols of the Medici, the great Renaissance family that ruled this city politically during the Renaissance and patronized its prominent artists, including Michelangelo. During this Medici Tour in Florence, led by an art or social historian, we'll focus on the history and patronage of the family, visiting several key sites connected with them, including the Medici Chapels and Medici Palace.

Medici Tour Florence

We begin chronologically with the church of San Marco, which was the family church of the Medici during their early history. This quiet space, a bit off the tourist track, will provide a pleasant backdrop for laying the groundwork of the Medici family history, especially their massive patronage to the arts. We'll step into the attached convent, where in the 1430s Cosimo the Elder founded one of the first public libraries in the world, but which now serves as a museum that hosts the greatest works of Fra Angelico, who was once a friar here. We will visit the monks' former private cells, all of which house a sacred image intended for meditation, including Cosimo's private cell.

The Rise and Fall of Medici’s Reign

We will then move on to the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, designed by Michelozzo (who also redesigned the convent of San Marco for the Dominicans), and the seat of Medici power in Florence for over a century. In doing so, we will trace the family from the era of the Republic to the era of the duchy, and their rise from rich merchants to rulers of a kingdom. We will make a special visit to the Chapel of the Magi, decorated by Benozzo Gozzoli, which is a masterpiece of Renaissance fresco (a skill you can learn in our Fresco Painting in Florence Workshop).

San Lorenzo

Finally, we will visit the unfinished church of San Lorenzo, which was intended to be sole dominion of the Medici family at the end of their power. We will examine the work of Michelangelo, in the family chapel he created, which includes the tombs of Lorenzo il Magnifico and brother Giuliano, and discuss the Medici's art patronage, most notably personified in the figure of the great sculptor.

Take Aways

Throughout the walk, we will revert to common, recurring themes: the relationship between power and art, the political upheavals gave birth to the artistic revolutions of the Renaissance, and the humanistic impulse of one of the most interesting families in history. For more Medici splendor, check out our Florence Villa Tour.

FAQ

Do I need to pay any entrance fees on this walk?

Yes, you will buy entrance tickets to San Marco Museum and Palazzo Medici Riccardi on site. It is best if you bring cash with you in case cards are not accepted. You have pre-paid for your ticket to the Medici Chapels and we have reserved your entry.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Cornelia

Cornelia has a PhD in art history from Columbia University and wrote her dissertation on Renaissance city planning. She is especially knowledgeable about Medici patronage. In addition to her research and teaching, Cornelia, a mother of a disabled child, runs an association dedicated to barrier-free travel in Florence and is author of "The Accessible Guide to Florence."

Elizabeth

Elizabeth recently received her MA in Florentine Renaissance art from Syracuse University in Florence. Her interests include women's history and women artists, particularly by women in convents. In addition to leading walks, she also lectures at various universities and institutions in Florence.

Valerie

Valerie received her BA with distinction in art history and museology at the University of Florence, focusing on the Renaissance art market. Although German, Valerie was born and raised in Rome, making her eager to build bridges across different cultures. She also works for the educational department of the state museums in Florence, where her mission is to communicate art and culture as a means of understanding the visual signs that surround us.

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189 Reviews – (4.76)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Just the right length of time. Great content. It is hard to sort out the Medici's since so many have the same name- a family tree linked to where we visited would have helped. One other thing- I have been on several Context Tours. I never know whether tipping is the custom or not. Guidance, when we sign up, would be good.

William

Oct. 20, 2019

I think the San Marco museum tour could be its own separate tour with time in the church. There are so many frescoes to see and they are so important.

Judy

Oct. 19, 2019

Valerie was good. Hard to simplify the Medici several centuries of dominance.

Kathleen

Oct. 18, 2019

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Florence Medici Tour: Portrait of a Family

Participants

Medici Tour Florence

The Rise and Fall of Medici’s Reign

San Lorenzo

Take Aways

FAQ