Florence and the Medici Family: where art meets history

Just a few minutes from Hotel Orto de’ Medici, countless architectural and cultural treasures bear witness to the grandeur of a family that made Florence one of the world’s most important cities: the Medici. To this day, the influence of this powerful dynasty is evident in Florence’s artistic and cultural landscape.

The journey in the footsteps of the Medici begins at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a true gem of Renaissance architecture commissioned by Cosimo the Elder, the family patriarch. The palace is designed by Michelozzo and embodies the elegance and restrained customs typical of the Medici, with its Brunelleschian courtyard and Italian garden. The residence was a symbol of power for many years before being sold in 1659 to the Riccardi family, from whom it takes its name. Today, visiting Palazzo Medici Riccardi means stepping into the atmosphere of a Florence brimming with history and beauty, where every detail reflects the prestige and influence of the family that ruled the city for centuries.

Palazzo Vecchio, located in Piazza della Signoria, is another landmark of great significance. This imposing building was the official residence of Cosimo I de' Medici, who significantly expanded it with the help of artists like Vasari and Buontalenti. Here, as in the past, political power and art intertwine magnificently, particularly in the Salone dei Cinquecento, the Studiolo of Francesco I, and the Quartiere degli Elementi—each a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Palazzo Vecchio is far more than just a building; it’s the emblem of Medici power, an enchanted place where history comes alive.

Concerned about his family's safety, Cosimo I de' Medici commissioned the construction of the Corridoio Vasariano, a suspended passageway connecting Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of administrative offices, to Palazzo Pitti, the Medici residence. Designed by Giorgio Vasari, this corridor still crosses Ponte Vecchio and the Galleria degli Uffizi, offering stunning views of the Arno River. Although closed to the public since 2016, the Corridoio Vasariano occasionally reopens for private tours, allowing visitors to relive the exclusive path that once connected the most important centers of Medici power.

No exploration of the Medici legacy would be complete without mentioning the Basilica di San Lorenzo, Florence’s oldest church and the family’s burial place. Brunelleschi designed this impressive structure, which houses the crypt of Cosimo the Elder, entombed in a column symbolizing his role as the "pillar" of the city and the Church. The basilica also preserves masterpieces such as Donatello’s pulpits and Michelangelo’s New Sacristy, making San Lorenzo one of the most evocative places to admire the Medici’s artistic and spiritual heritage.

Just steps from the Basilica di San Lorenzo, another Renaissance treasure awaits: the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana. Founded by Pope Clement VII de’ Medici and designed by Michelangelo, the library houses over 3,000 manuscripts, including Greek and Latin literary works. Its architecture, featuring the iconic reading room and monumental staircase, perfectly exemplifies Renaissance style while reflecting the Medici’s love for culture and knowledge.

The final stop on the Medici itinerary is Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, one of Florence’s most elegant squares. At its center stands the equestrian statue of Ferdinando I de’ Medici, a testament to the family’s power and the history tied to it. According to legend, Ferdinando had an affair with a noblewoman residing in the nearby Palazzo Budini Gattai, which is why his statue gazes towards the palazzo. This anecdote adds a touch of mystery to a place already steeped in charm.

After exploring the Medici landmarks in the city, our journey back in time continues right here at Hotel Orto de’ Medici. The hotel’s garden stands on the grounds of the former Giardino di San Marco, home to the art school established by Lorenzo the Magnificent, where young talents used to train, including the great Michelangelo. It was in this very garden that The Magnificent first met the genius who would forever change the course of art history.

Hotel Orto de’ Medici, with its elegant garden and historic ambiance, offers a truly extraordinary experience, blending relaxation and culture in a privileged location just steps from the city’s most iconic Medici landmarks.
Book your stay now and start dreaming of your exclusive Florentine vacation.