One of my most memorable experiences while traveling Europe was my self-guided tour of Florence Italy’s Medici family influences. Instrumental in creating some of the most brilliant architecture of Europe, walking the steps of the Medici proved epic.
Banking and politics were the primary factors that brought a family from rural Mugello Tuscany to become the powerful Medici family of Florence Italy. Their contributions to Florence are seen today in the form of art, architecture, banking and cultural prosperity.
I have been lucky enough to have visited Florence several times. It is a visually stunning, super stimulating city of compelling history, art and culture. It is a city that everyone needs to put at the top of their “Gotta Do” list.
So when the Netflix series, “Medici: The Magnificent”, began it’s initial run, I was immediately hooked. Even today, centuries later, the powerful Medici family of Florence continues to draw you into their lives of wealth, corruption, murder and brilliance.
Throughout the lives of the Medici family represented in the Netflix series, from Giovanni to Lorenzo, war, debt, conspiracies, personal attacks and loss plagued the generations of The Masters Of Florence. But for all the struggles the Medici family endured, they were hugely instrumental in forming the breathtaking city we can enjoy now.
PALAZZO MEDICI RICCARDI
Palazzo Medici Riccardi via imagina
The magnificent PALAZZO MEDICI RICCARDI, created by Michelozzo Michelozzi and funded by Cosimo de Medici became the stunning family residence of the Medici family. Here you can enjoy the perfection of the artwork and observe the displayed portraits of the Medici family.
The Palazzo needs to be your first stop on your Medici tour. It is truly an impressive structure as you walk in the footsteps of the Medici family. This palace retains its 15th century interior giving guests today a real feel of life and décor during the Medici reign.
Portraits of the Medici family are in the Magi Chapel and can be visited today. This is the only filming location for the Netflix series of the Palazzo.
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DUOMO OF FLORENCE
A highlight of my self-guided tour of Florence Italy was the incredible Duomo Of Florence, designed and built by Brunelleschi and funded by Cosimo which is accurately depicted in the Netflix series. It is also accurate that the Medici brothers (Lorenzo and Giuliano) were viciously attacked during Mass at the Duomo in April of 1478 by the Pazzi led revolt.
It was on the floor of the Duomo that Giuliano bled to death from 19 stab wounds while Lorenzo fled with a serious slash to the side of his throat. Lorenzo did manage to lock himself into a room thus, saving his life and ruining the Pazzi plot to take over Florence.
I was in awe of the architecture and grandeur of this cathedral. There is so much here to marvel over…even the massive doors kept me completely captivated.
PALAZZO VECCHIO
The Palazzo Vecchio dates back to the late 1200’s and is the hubbub of Florence. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence and where Cosimo was held prisoner for not conquering the Republic Of Lucca before going into exile.
It is also accurate that the conspirators of the Pazzi coup attempt were hung from the windows of the PALAZZO VECCHIO, until their death and left to rot above the courtyard, Piazza della Signoria. Jacopo de Pazzi who was the head of the revolt attempt, played by Sean Bean in the Netflix series, was also hung after being severely tortured and then later dug up from his grave and his head used as a door-knocker to his own spacious Palazzo Pazzi.
The Netflix series did film quite a lot at the Palazzo Vecchio, especially during the first season with Cosimo De Medici.
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VILLA MEDICI AT CAREGGI
You cannot miss this impressive villa on your quest to visit the most important buildings in the lives of the powerful Medici family of Florence. In the series, Netflix did not show the death of Cosimo however, this villa is where both he and Lorenzo spent the last years of their lives entertaining friends before they died.
Villa Medici At Careggi was originally bought in 1417 by Cosimo’s brother Lorenzo, played by Stuart Martin in the series, and soon became the most popular of the Medici family dwellings. This villa is located in the gorgeous Tuscan town of Toscana and is scheduled to open to the public in 2020.
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BASILICA SAN LORENZO
Built in the 4th century, Basilica San Lorenzo sits in the center of Florence’s market locale and is the final resting place of many of the prominent members of the Medici family including Cosimo de Medici and grandsons Guiliano and Lorenzo de Medici, Clarice Orsini de Medici (Lorenzo’s wife), Contessina de Bardi (Cosimo’s wife and Lorenzo’s grandmother) as well as several of Lorenzo’s sons among others.
The Medici family contributed largely to the improved construction of the church and purchased a great number of the artwork located inside. Basilica San Lorenzo served as the Medici family parish and was used in the Netflix series filming.
Tourists can visit the remains of the Medici family located in the Crypte del Buontalendti.
Florence is an incredible city loaded with scenic and historic riches. I went many times and still I feel as if I have so much to learn about what this amazing city endured over the past centuries.
I encourage both a self-guided tour of Florence Italy as well as guided tours for they each are instrumental in the true enjoyment of this spectacular city.
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References:
Netflix Series – ‘Medici: Masters of Florence’
Netflix Series – ‘Medici: The Magnificent
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medici_(TV_series)
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