12 Astonishing Facts You Might Not Know About The Medici Family
Sean Finelli
Let’s face it, nobody rocked the Renaissance like the Medici family did. They were known for their banking prowess and they were famed patrons of the arts. These famous Florentines did everything they could to rise to power and they accumulated fantastic wealth. It’ll come as no surprise that intrigue surrounds them. Here are some astonishing Medici family facts you may not know.
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12 Facts About the Medici Family You Didn’t Know
When you visit Florence, you’ll undoubtedly encounter the Medici family legacy in some way. At the Uffizi Gallery, and enjoy the incredible artworks housed there, you have the Medici family to thank.
These great patrons of the arts helped bring some of the world’s most treasured works of art into the world, as well as some of Florence’s most iconic buildings. Do you like gelato? Well, they had a hand in that too! Discover the most astonishing facts about the Medici family ahead of your visit to Florence.
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Well, they weren’t noble by blood anyway. However, the Medici family tree is full of intelligence and shrewd business acumen. And if you know the answer to “where did the Medici family live?” then you know why they were proclaimed the “Grand Dukes of Tuscany.”
Of course, they didn’t want their modest origins to be remembered which is why they encouraged rumors about their roots. Such legends included that the family descended from the god Perseus. Another legend claimed that the family is related to one of Charlemagne’s knights who defeated a giant.
11. They Were the Wealthiest Family in the 15th Century
The Medici family started the most popular bank in Europe, the Medici bank, and they pioneered writing rules about loans. At one point, the Medicis managed the majority of the great fortunes in Europe, from merchants to members of royalty.
For a time, the currency issued by the Medici bank, the florin, was the preferred currency for business throughout Europe. Historians say that the famous “palle” (balls) on the Medici coat of arms, represents coins. You can still see their logo on several buildings throughout Florence.
Art came at high prices, even during the Renaissance. The Medicis believed that common folk should be able to view and appreciate art, even if they couldn’t afford to own it.
This is the reason why they are considered the first marketers of art in modern history. The Medici family believed that paying for art, then giving it away to the church and city was their “Stairway to Heaven.”
9. They Were Tight with Michelangelo
Speaking of art, Michelangelo was linked directly to the Medici Family. It was a love/hate relationship between Michelangelo and the Medicis, but some of the work they commissioned from him turned out to be his most iconic masterpieces, including the Moses, the Sistine Chapel, and the statue of David. The David is so iconic that it’s now the symbol of Florence.
The famous Florentine family was instrumental in the creation of one of Italy’s favorite delicacies—gelato! The Florentine chef Bernardo Buontalenti invented modern gelato in 1565 whenthe Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici asked him to organize a banquet to receive the Spanish deputation.
He decided to surprise everybody with a new invention, a tasty dessert based on eggnog, milk, and fruit, producing the famous “Florentine cream” and “Buontalenti.” So, next time you treat yourself to some gelato, thank the Medici family.
7. Some Members of the Medici Family Became Popes
Four popes were Medicis, to be exact. The most famous, Giovanni di Lorenzo de’ Medici, known as Leo X, had superb taste in art (like the rest of his illustrious relatives). He wanted to rebuild and restructure St. Peter’s Basilica with the help of Michelangelo, but there wasn’t enough money.
That’s why he created the “indulgences,” documents declaring that people who contributed to the cathedral were absolved of sins in exchange for money. Not everybody liked this idea, especially a man that was rising against the Church: Martin Luther.
6. They Had Their Own Alchemist
The Medici even had an alchemist, Francesco di Medici. He had a secret room, Lo Studiolo, inside Palazzo Vecchio, decorated with hidden closets full of exotic potions and weird things from all over the world. Legend has it that he had a special closet for a coveted substance: opium.
5. And They Had Their Mathematician
It’s pretty obvious there are things money can’t buy. Well, unless you can count Galileo Galilei as your personal mathematician, philosopher, and close buddy. Galileo gifted his former student, the Grand Duke Cosimo II ofTuscany, the Medician stars, a discovery of four celestial orbs that became the perfect way to honor the renowned Medici family.
4. They Definitely Weren’t Vegans
They were huge fans of meat, in all of its forms: chicken liver, duck, wild boar prosciutto, and, of course, bistecca alla fiorentina (T-bone steak). Back in those days, this wasn’t seen as an unhealthy diet—it was a wealthy one.
That’s why some of the most well-known Medicis, like Cosimo the Elder, suffered from gout, known as the disease of the kings. While we don’t recommend you eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Florentine steak is delicious! Try it and other Florentine specialties on our Florence Local Food Tour in Santo Spirito.
Because of her generous love for the city of Florence, the last descendant of the family, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, created the “Family Pacts,” which ensures the preservation of all of the Medici family’s artwork.
The pact states that the artworks belong to the state to educate people about the Medici family and attract tourism. Thanks to this legacy, we can enjoy countless treasures in Florence, like the Uffizi Gallery.
2. They Built the Uffizi as Their Offices
That’s right, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence was their place of business. In English, it’s definitely a surprise, but for Italian speakers it makes sense. Uffizi literally translates to “offices” in English.
Come and hear the stories for yourself about the Uffizi, the Medici, and all the breathtaking artwork they commissioned as you visit this world-renowned gallery with an expert local guide on our popular Uffizi tours.
One of the most astounding facts about the Medici family is that they didn’t have to step outside if they didn’t want to. They lived in the Pitti Palace in Florence. To get from their home at the Pitti Palace to their offices at the Uffizi, they crossed the Arno river by way of the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
The Medici hired Giorgio Vasari to build the 760-meter-long corridor connecting their place of residence to Palazzo Signoria, which is now named Palazzo Vecchio. This is where the government of Florence was held—a republic controlled by the Medici through cronies.
The corridor Vasari built is 505 meters long spanning from Palazzo Pitti to the Uffizi. The additional 155 meters would include walking through the Uffizi Gallery to the Palazzo Vecchio. On its completion, the Medici could go from their home to the office without ever stepping foot outside on the streets of Florence.
Florence is a small city with a big history. As the cradle of the Renaissance and with major characters like the Medici family and Michelangelo, there are a lot of interesting stories and historical details to learn about Florence. So, the best way to see it all is on a tour with a passionate local guide. Check out all our popular Florence tours.
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Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!
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