Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer and book editor based in San Francisco. She believes passionately in the balance of travel and home. Find her at parttimetraveler.com and @anne_elizabeth on Twitter and Instagram.
Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer and book editor based in San Francisco. She believes passionately in the balance of travel and home. Find her at parttimetraveler.com and @anne_elizabeth on Twitter and Instagram.
Hi, I'm Anne!Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer and book editor based in San Francisco. She believes passionately in the balance of travel and home. Find her at parttimetraveler.com and @anne_elizabeth on Twitter and Instagram.
Hi, I'm Anne!Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer and book editor based in San Francisco. She believes passionately in the balance of travel and home. Find her at parttimetraveler.com and @anne_elizabeth on Twitter and Instagram.
The Medici family's powerful presence as rulers of Florence during the Renaissance stemmed from their wealth and influence, which shaped politics and art in the city and beyond. Here's how to best experience the legacy left behind by the Medicis.
This extravagant palace is the former estate of the Medici family. Tours explain the history and significance of the dynasty that ruled Florence for three centuries.
How to Visit:
The Palazzo can be viewed on both small-group and private tours, or as part of a Florence city walking tour.
As the finest collection of Florentine art and one of the most important museums in the world, Uffizi Gallery is a must-see site in Florence. The Medici family oversaw its construction in the 16th century.
How to Visit:
Tours range from about one to three hours in length, with a variety of group size options. Due to the museum's popularity, it's recommended that you choose a tour with skip-the-line privileges.
Another former home of the Medicis, Pitti Palace now holds an important collection of Renaissance art and hosts an extensive green space in the Boboli Gardens.
How to Visit:
Choose a tour that combines the palace and the gardens, or opt for a palace-only tour for an in-depth look at the Pitti Palace's Palatine Gallery.
Designed by Michelozzo for the Medicis, this palace was later sold to the Riccardi family before being obtained by the Italian state to form a large part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center of Florence.
How to Visit:
A visit to the palace is included in Renaissance-focused walking tours of Florence.
Aside from its ties to Michelangelo, this massive church is also known as the final resting place of the Medici family. Their tombs are marked by sculptures from Michelangelo himself.
How to Visit:
The Basilica is a stop on most Florence walking tours. Long lines are common, so consider a skip-the-line option to bypass the crowds.
