Discover the rise, power, and legacy of the Medici dynasty, the family that shaped Florence and the Renaissance.
This 2-hour guided walking tour takes you on a captivating journey through the history, art, and ambition of the Medici - bankers, rulers, and patrons who transformed Florence into one of Europe’s most influential cities. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will explore the places most closely connected to their extraordinary story.
Begin outside Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the family’s first residence and a powerful symbol of their ascent. Learn how Cosimo the Elder commissioned this Renaissance palace and how its architecture reflected a careful balance of authority and restraint.
Continue to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici family church and one of the oldest in Florence. From the outside, discover its unfinished façade and its deep connection to the dynasty, as well as its role as a center of both religious and political influence.
The tour culminates with skip-the-line access to the Medici Chapels, where the family’s legacy reaches its artistic peak. Designed as a monumental mausoleum, the Chapels celebrate the grandeur and ambition of the Medici. Inside the New Sacristy, created by Michelangelo, admire the extraordinary tombs adorned with his iconic sculptures - Day, Night, Dawn, and Dusk - and uncover their symbolism, innovation, and deeper meaning.
More than a simple walking tour, this experience offers a deeper understanding of the Medici’s impact on art, culture, and power. Discover how they supported masters like Botticelli and Michelangelo, influenced popes and monarchs, and left an enduring mark on Florence’s identity.
A journey into the heart of the Renaissance, where history, art, and legacy come to life.