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Why the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is a true Royal Destination

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Browsing through summer photos, in the winter, is always a lot of fun. It makes you dream away, about what has passed and what will come next year. This time my eye fell on the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, not only for the building but also for its surroundings. So, let's take a quick look and  discover why the Palazzo Vecchio certainly is a royal destination in Florence, Italy! Palazzo Vecchio: A Symbol of Florence’s Heritage The Palazzo Vecchio, located in the heart of Piazza della Signoria, is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. Originally constructed between 1299 and 1314, it served as the town hall and later as the residence of the ruling Medici family. With its formidable, fortress-like appearance, crenelated tower, and impressive historical significance, the building embodies both Florentine civic pride and Renaissance artistry. Architectural Design The structure was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, who incorporated elements of defense and grandeur, reflecting t...
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The royal history of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence

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The Basilica San Lorenzo in Florence is situated in the heart of the city, near the main market. It is surrounded by excellent restaurants with the nicest food and beverages. However the Basilica San Lorenzo was the parish church of the de' Medici family. So, let's take a look at the very interesting royal history of this amazing royal destination. Royal History The Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches in Florence, originally consecrated in 393 AD. Over centuries, it underwent multiple reconstructions, with the most significant transformation beginning in 1419, under the direction of Filippo Brunelleschi, a pioneer of Renaissance architecture.  Commissioned by Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici , the rebuilding of San Lorenzo marked the start of a centuries-long relationship between the church and the Medici family. The Medici family, renowned patrons of art and politics, played a pivotal role in the evolution of the Basilica. Giovanni di Bicci’s contributions la...
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Location: Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
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Who was Giovanni di Bicci de'Medici?

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 As we are with the royal destination blogposts in Florence with the de' Medicis, we can't go on, without some family history.  The founder of the de Medici bank and thus the one who laid the fa'mily's wealth and influence in Florence was Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici. Who was Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici? Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici was born in Florence, Italy. He was the son of Averardo de' Medici and Jacopa Spini. His father, Averardo died in 1363 with a respectable amount of wealth. This inheritance was divided among Giovanni and his four brothers, leaving Giovanni with very little. However, his uncle, Vieri de' Medici, was still a prominent banker in Florence. Vieri helped Giovanni begin his career in the Florentine banking system. He worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a junior partner in the branch located in Rome. Vieri de' Medici retired in 1393 leaving the bank in the hands of Giovanni. From this point the Medici ba...
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Location: Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
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A card from Lady Pamela Hicks

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In December 2024, I received a special royal post card from the United Kingdom. It was a postcard from Lady Pamela Hicks. But who is she actually? How is she related to the Royal Family? Who is Lady Pamela Hicks? Lady Pamela Carmen Louis Hicks, born Mountbatten, was born on 19 April 1929 in Barcelona, Spain. Royal Family Her parents were Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma and his wife Edwina Ashley.  Her paternal grandparents were Prince Louis of Battenberg and  Princes Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine. The mother of Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine was Princess Alice of the United Kingdom. Princess Victoria was thus a sister of Princess Alexandra, the last Empress of Russia.  Lady Pamela Hicks is thus a niece of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh. Title and more ties At the request of George V her grandparents Prince Louis of Battenberg and Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine relinquished their German princely titles in 1917 in exc...
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Location: United Kingdom
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