All About Royal Families

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...

The Basilica San Lorenzo in Florence is situated in the heart of the city, near the main market.  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. It is surrounded by excellent restaurants with the nicest food and beverages. 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 pivot...