Medici family: At the beginning of 1400 AD Florence, as many others Italian cities, was governed by a Lordship. In particular there were many important families aspiring to leadership; Medici’s family was one of those. They managed to gain power writing Florence history for many years. They became rich because of their ability in commerce and trade. In 1433-1434 “Cosimo de Medici” fought ,by common people side, the rich oligarchy dominating Florence. After that he was the triumphing and well-liked Lord of Florence. The public opinion put Florence in his hands because he was able to take wise decisions for the city and to govern in peace. Cosimo signed many peace treaties with the most important Lordships in Italy to ensure a period of quiet and stillness. During this period art and culture were incremented by the Duke that loved to be surrounded by the most famous artists of the period. After Cosimo, Piero de Medici became Lord and after him Lorenzo “il Magnifico” governed the city. Many times the opposite families tried to drive the Medici out from the city but this never happened for many years. Piero, succeeding Lorenzo, was not so able to govern Florence and because of wrong decisions he was driven out . The Florentine Republic was founded ( 1494-1530 ).

The Republic finished when the Emperor Carlo V came in Italy restoring the Medici Leadership. Many poets and artists lived in Florence during this years, many libraries were built and a lot of Literature Academies grew. The following Medici Lords governed Florence until 1737 when Tuscany was annexed to the Lorena’s reign.

Medici armorial bearings :

The classic one with six balls on the scud.

This is another version but dating back to the last years of Medici leadership.

Monuments of this period:

The porch of the “Ospedale degl’Innocenti” in SS. Annunziata place.

The decored doors of the Battistero.

Rucellai palace, designed by Leon Battista Alberti.

Strozzi Palace, designed by Benedetto Da Maiano.

Medici-riccardi Palace decored by Michelozzo Michelozzi.

Pitti Palace, designed by Brunelleschi.

Uffizi Gallery, designed by Vasari.

Special:

Girolamo Savonarola : taking a walk in Signoria Place, many people are so fascinated by the Old Palace and by other monuments not to see a round tablet put on the place floor remembering an important man lived during this period. Here you can find his history.


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