The most powerful Italian family in the Renaissance era was the Medici family. They started as bankers and were such good business people, they were eventually the leaders of Italy for 350 years. Four Medici men were so powerful they became pope!
The Medicis had a palace built for them to live in that would also protect them. Before this time, there were a lot of civil wars happening in Florence. For the citizens to protect themselves, they lived in tall medieval towers. The new buildings that were built later were modeled after the palace.
The family wanted to stay safe and continue their line, so, along with marrying their own family members from Austria, they made secret passages that went from one side of the river to the other, connecting them to their other palace. They never had to step outside in danger. It travels over the Ponte Vecchio and to the Pitti Palace that they bought from the Pitti family. This palace was the residence of the last Medici. I think it would be fun to have a secret passage around a city, but it’s kind of sad that the Medicis had to live in fear of being killed all the time.
Before, the Ponte Vecchio was full of butchers stalls and fish sellers stalls. The Medici family didn’t like the smell that went up into their passage so kicked them off the bridge. They were replaced by the goldsmiths and jewelry and gold have been sold there ever since.
I’ve seen other amazing bridges in other countries like the Tower Bridge in London and the Rialto Bridge in Venice. I like them all, but I think the Ponte Vecchio is my favourite because it makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time, but with modern stores. The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest of these bridges, as the first bridge was built in 996 by the Romans. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1345 after the old one was destroyed in a flood. When we were in Venice, there were lots of gold and jewelry shops on the Rialto Bridge as well, perhaps replacing butchers and fish sellers!
Since they were quite wealthy, the family had a private church where they could worship and eventually be buried inside. At this time, it was believed that if one was buried in a church, one could get to heaven faster. Their church is called the church of San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence). The first church with this name was destroyed by the barbarians who invaded in 400 BC. It was rebuilt soon after and today is one of the oldest churches in Florence. Despite it’s grandeur, the facade of the church is incomplete. There are lines of stone on the front which are ready to fit the marble into place. There was a facade designed by Michelangelo but his idea wasn’t used. His notes are still intact, so there are current debates about whether to follow Michelangelo’s design and complete the facade. I think the church should use the Michelangelo facade because, although I haven’t seen it, I’m sure it’s a masterpiece considering some of his other amazing works of art.
The Medici family are intertwined in Italian history and are involved in the lives of many people. This family was very influential in the arts, architecture, and politics. It is almost a shame that after so much work, their family line ended. The last Medici was a lady who didn’t have any children. Before she died, she gave all of the artwork that was in the Medici homes to the city of Florence. This is what created the Uffizi art gallery that can be visited today. Even today, the Medicis still play a part in Florence’s everyday life. This family was very interesting and I think it would be really neat to meet one of their descendants.
Comments
6 responses to “The Most Important Italian Family….”
Thank you for the story of this family. Are those homes at the side of the bridge? They look as if they were ‘stuck’ on after the bridge was built. Your research has been very helpful as I had read some fiction about this family , now I can relate that to the real story. Too bad that their family line ended.
Hi Herta,
The buildings on the sides of the bridge are stores. The reason they stick out is because when the butchers and fish sellers were working on the bridge, they tried to avoid getting huge taxes with as much space for their shops as possible. I have a feeling a few fell off before they perfected the way to build them like this! 🙂
I really enjoyed your blog, Mikhaila! I agree with you that the Church should use Michelangelo’s design to complete the façade! Love, Baba
Hello Baba,
I loved seeing Michelangelo’s work, and I think it would be really great if his design was used for the church to share more of his artistic genius with the rest of the world.
Hi, Mikhaila, I just read your posting and found it very interesting and informative, especially the photos. I had just finished a book on Lorenzo de Medici a few months ago, and to see the buildings that have been standing for hundreds of years is amazing, your post makes the book I’d read come alive. What an amazing family and such great patrons of the arts. Thank you for this posting.
Hi Oma,
I think the Medici family was really interesting because they had total control of Italy and greatly supported the arts. I wonder if Michelangelo would be as well known if the Medicis hadn’t supported him….