The Medici were bankers who became popes, queens, and the greatest art patrons in history.
Plan a history trip →Cosimo il Vecchio (1389–1464): founded the dynasty’s political power. Patron of Brunelleschi, Donatello, Fra Angelico. Built the Medici Library. Lorenzo il Magnifico (1449–1492): the golden age. Patron of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo. Survived the Pazzi Conspiracy (1478, attacked during Mass in the Duomo, his brother Giuliano killed). Pope Leo X (Giovanni de’ Medici, pope 1513–21): "God has given us the papacy, let us enjoy it." Commissioned Raphael’s Vatican rooms. Catherine de’ Medici (1519–1589): married French king, brought Italian cuisine to France. Cosimo I (1519–1574): first Grand Duke of Tuscany, built the Uffizi as government offices.
Palazzo Medici-Riccardi (€10): their first palace. Benozzo Gozzoli’s chapel (Medici family members painted as the Magi). Uffizi (€25): their art collection, donated to Florence in 1737 by the last Medici. Palazzo Pitti (€16): their later palace. San Lorenzo (€9): Medici Chapels, Michelangelo’s tombs. Medici Villas (UNESCO): 14 villas across Tuscany.