Museo: Firenze a cielo aperto: un viaggio tra arte, storia e bellezza

Welcome to Florence

Welcome, friends, to my Florence—not just a city-state, but the beating heart of the Renaissance. I am Lorenzo de’ Medici, known as 'the Magnificent', at your service and that of this beloved city. Merely governing was not enough for me; I wanted Florence to become synonymous with genius, beauty, and dignity. On this journey, you will discover how every corner, every fresco, and every statue is the result of a conscious choice to celebrate lineage, to educate the people, and to demonstrate that Florence is second to none. As you walk through its streets, you may encounter our emblem: six balls on a shield. It is the mark of the power and prestige my family has left among these stones. Remember: nothing here is mere ornament. Every emblem tells a story of alliances, ambitions, and glory. And when, in the corridor above the Bridge, you feel the silence breathe through the walls, you will know you are in the midst of a project greater than ourselves: one that made Florence, and the Medici, a legend.

1. Palazzo Medici Riccardi – The First Residence of the Medici

In the heart of Florence, near the Duomo, stands a palace that tells a truly special story: the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the first grand residence of the Medici family. It was built many years ago, in 1444, by order of Cosimo the Elder, one of the family's leaders. Cosimo was very wealthy and influential, yet he did not desire a palace that was too ostentatious; he wanted it to be elegant and at the same time simple. Inside the palace, there is a beautiful courtyard, with columns lined up like in an ancient Roman temple! However, the real surprise is a small room full of colors and drawings: the Chapel of the Magi. Here, the artist Benozzo Gozzoli painted a sumptuous procession representing the Epiphany, featuring the most important members of the Medici family, dressed as kings and knights! After the Medici left the palace, it was purchased by another family, the Riccardi, who added numerous rooms and frescoes. Even today, wandering through the halls, one can imagine what life was like in Cosimo's time, when the Medici were beginning to build their power.

Coordinate: 43.7752417, 11.2560301

2. Basilica of San Lorenzo and Old Sacristy – The Church of the Medici

The Basilica of San Lorenzo is not just a church; it is an emblematic place for the Medici family. Here they came to pray, to be buried, and to demonstrate how much they valued beauty and faith. The first to undertake its renovation was Cosimo the Elder, who enlisted one of the greatest architects of all time: Filippo Brunelleschi. From the outside, the rough stone facade makes the basilica appear almost unfinished. However, upon entering, it is impossible not to be left in awe! Columns, light, perfect proportions: everything is orderly and harmonious, as Renaissance artists preferred. One of the most beautiful parts is undoubtedly the Old Sacristy, a room built by Brunelleschi and decorated by Donatello. It has a square plan and is covered by a round dome. Here lie the tombs of Giovanni di Bicci and Piero the Gouty, Cosimo's relatives. San Lorenzo was almost like the Medici's "family church": a place where religion and art came together to tell their story. Every column, every decoration, was meant to say: "We are here, and we intend to stay for a long time."

Coordinate: 43.7752807, 11.2545225

3. The Medici Chapels: A Monument to Remember the Medici

Behind the grand Basilica of San Lorenzo lies a very intriguing place: the Medici Chapels, where members of the Medici family were laid to rest. This is not just a simple cemetery! It is rather a monumental site rich in art, designed to showcase the importance of this illustrious family. There are two main parts to visit: the New Sacristy and the Chapel of the Princes. The New Sacristy was designed by the renowned artist Michelangelo. Remarkably, this room was commissioned by two popes, Leo X and Clement VII, both from the Medici family. Michelangelo sculpted two grand tombs here, adorned with statues. Above the sarcophagi are the figures of Day, Night, Dawn, and Dusk. These serve as a reminder that time passes for everyone, even the most powerful. The other part, the Chapel of the Princes, is a triumph of color and opulence: filled with precious marbles, hard stones, and a grand dome that covers the space. Here lie the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, the most prominent members of the family, including Cosimo I, Francesco I, and Ferdinando I. Every corner of the Medici Chapels speaks of the Medici's desire not to be forgotten, and of the indelible mark they left on the city they loved so much: Florence.

Coordinate: 43.774963515162, 11.253422498703

4. Palazzo Vecchio and the Medici Quarter

Here we are at Palazzo Vecchio! Once, this was the seat of the city's government, but when Cosimo I de’ Medici became duke and then grand duke, he decided to make it his palace. Cosimo did not just want a beautiful home; he wanted to show everyone that the Medici were the true lords of Florence. For this reason, he transformed the old palace into a place full of art and power. The largest room is called the Hall of the Five Hundred: it is majestic, with a high ornate ceiling and paintings that depict the duke's victories. There is also a marble statue featuring Hercules and Cacus, symbolizing strength and courage. Not far from there are the rooms of the Grand Duke's family, all decorated with colorful frescoes. Then there's a small but magical room: the Studiolo of Francesco I, Cosimo's son. This was his secret refuge, filled with strange objects, curiosities, and mysterious paintings. He was a bit of a scientist and a bit of an artist! But the Medici did not stop there. Next to Palazzo Vecchio, they also constructed the Vasari Corridor, a secret passage that connected their residence to Palazzo Pitti, crossing the Ponte Vecchio. They also created the Uffizi Gallery, which today is one of the most famous museums in the world. In short, in this part of Florence, the Medici have left their mark everywhere: palaces, bridges, museums... Everything speaks of them! Visiting these places is like taking a journey back in time to when Florence was the city of the Medici.

Coordinate: 43.7695736, 11.2558641

5. Uffizi Gallery

We have arrived at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most visited museums in the world! However, the Uffizi did not originate as a museum: initially, it was a building commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici to house all the administrative offices of Florence. The name "Uffizi," in fact, comes from there. Cosimo entrusted the project to Giorgio Vasari, who in 1560 designed a modern and orderly building between Palazzo Vecchio, the Lungarno, and Piazza della Signoria. Then came Francesco I, Cosimo’s son, who transformed the upper loggia—a portico with columns overlooking the outside—into a gallery to exhibit artworks, portraits, sculptures, and curious objects. This was not just a passion for beauty: through art, the Medici demonstrated their cultural and political prestige! In the following centuries, the Gallery became increasingly enriched until, in 1737, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici established with her "Family Pact" that the works would remain in Florence and be accessible to all. Even today, the Uffizi tells this story: the rooms dedicated to Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo celebrate not only art but also the Medici, true promoters of Florentine culture.

Coordinate: 43.7690422, 11.2559163

6. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

Palazzo Pitti is a majestic and solemn building, reminiscent of a royal palace. It is located on the other side of the Arno River, overlooking the city from above. It was built a long time ago, in the 15th century, by an important gentleman named Luca Pitti. However, in 1549, it was bought by Eleonora of Toledo, the wife of Cosimo I de’ Medici. Eleonora desired a large, elegant, and tranquil residence, away from the palace where governance took place. Cosimo and Eleonora transformed the palace into a true royal residence, adding rooms, courtyards, and magnificent works of art. Today, within its walls, you can visit the Galleria Palatina, which houses famous paintings by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and other great artists. The paintings are not displayed like in a modern museum, but rather like in a princely home, to demonstrate the Medici's power and love for art. Behind the palace lies a truly magical place: the Boboli Gardens. It is a grand garden, filled with avenues, fountains, statues, and mysterious grottoes. It was not merely a place for strolling, but also a venue for hosting parties, performances, and ceremonies. One of the most fascinating parts is the Buontalenti Grotto: the walls seem to drip and, inside, strange creatures can be found... it's like stepping into a fairytale! Every corner of the garden was designed to amaze visitors and, above all, to remind everyone of the importance of the Medici family. Art, nature, and beauty: this is how the Medici transformed Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens into a masterpiece that still tells their story today.

Coordinate: 43.7649472, 11.2500182