All About Royal Families

Cosimo I de’ Medici – The Grand Duke Who Shaped Tuscany The Medici family is one of the most famous dynasties in European history, known for their immense wealth, political power, and patronage of the arts. Among them, Cosimo I de’ Medici (1519–1574) stands out as a ruler who transformed Tuscany, expanded de' Medici influence, and laid the foundation for Florence as a true Renaissance powerhouse. own picture of  the portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici @ the Uffizi Early Life & Rise to Power Born on 12 June 1519 in Florence, Cosimo was the son of Giovanni delle Bande Nere, a famous condottiero (mercenary captain), and Maria Salviati, who was connected to the main de' Medici line. Unlike his predecessors, Cosimo was not initially destined to rule—his family branch was considered minor compared to the ruling de' Medici. However, fate intervened. In 1537, after the assassination of Duke Alessandro de’ Medici, the de' Medici-controlled government needed a new leader. The...

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 ...

Florence and the de’ Medici family share a rich and complex history. This week, we take a closer look at Alessandro de’ Medici (1510–1537), known as "Il Moro," the first Duke of Florence and a key figure in the Medici family's transition from republican rulers to hereditary monarchs. About Him On 22 July 1510, Alessandro de' Medici was born in Florence. He was officially recognized as the son of Lorenzo II de’ Medici, though some accounts suggest he may have been the illegitimate son of Pope Clement VII, his uncle. His mother is believed to have been a woman of African descent, possibly a servant or enslaved woman in the Medici household, making him one of the first known rulers of European descent with African ancestry. Childhood Alessandro spent his early childhood in Rome, receiving a humanist education under the scholar Pierio Valeriano Bolzani, supervised by Pope Leo X and Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici. During these years, a series of unexpected deaths in the Medici...

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! 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. The structure was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, who incorporated  elements of defense and grandeur, reflecting the political climate of the time.  The imposing 94-mete...