All About Royal Families

In the series about Florence, I usually talk about the de' Medici family but other royals were quite fascinated by the city as well. One of them was Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. She reigned from 20 June 1837 until 22 January 1901. Since Queen Victoria was one of my main inspirations for starting the All About Royal Families blog, I naturally have to share details about her stays in Florence. Queen Victoria visited Florence multiple times, with her most significant stays occurring in 1888, 1893 and 1894 . These visits were part of her regular spring trips to southern Europe, where she sought both respite from the harsh British winters and engagement with the cultural and political life of Italy. When she travelled, Queen Victoria was accompanied by at least 80 people who occupied 13 carriages of her private train.  Florence in the 19th. Century 1888 Visit to Florence In March 1888, Queen Victoria arrived in Florence and took up residence at Villa Palmieri , a hist...

The Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks, holds a fascinating royal history that is deeply intertwined with the powerful de' Medici family, who ruled Florence for centuries. This medieval bridge, spanning the Arno River, is not just a testament to architectural ingenuity but also to the grandeur and influence of Florence’s rulers. A Bridge with Ancient Origins The Ponte Vecchio, which means “Old Bridge,” was built in 1345 to replace a series of earlier wooden bridges that had been repeatedly destroyed by floods. Unlike its predecessors, this iteration was constructed in stone, ensuring greater durability. However, its significance goes beyond its longevity—its royal connections transformed it into a symbol of power and prestige. The de' Medici Family and the Vasari Corridor During the Renaissance, the de' Medici family solidified their control over Florence, and under the rule of  Cosimo I de’ Medic i, Grand Duke of Tuscany ,  the Ponte Vecchio took on an ...