The Medici Family is the most important family in Florence history. Thanks to the support and influence of the Medici, Florence became the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Medici were the godfathers of the Renaissance. read more
The best known member of the Medici dynasty is Cosimo di Medici (1389-1464). Known as"Cosimo the Elder," he was an unofficial monarch of Florence from 1434 until his death. During that time, he supported many historically important artists, including Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Donatello and Fra Angelico. read more
The Medici story began around the 12th century, when family members from the Tuscan village of Cafaggiolo emigrated to Florence. Through banking and commerce, the Medicis rose to become one of the most important houses in Florence. read more
The Medici family, also known as the House of Medici, first attained wealth and political power in Florence in the 13th century through its success in commerce and banking. Beginning in 1434 with the rise to power of Cosimo de’ Medici (or Cosimo the Elder), the family’s support of the arts and humanities made Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance, a cultural flowering rivaled only by that of ancient Greece. read more