Medici's Mile Guided Walking Tour

Discover the Medici legacy

Start at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the Medici family’s first residence, as your guide reveals its historical and cultural importance. Visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo, where generations of the Medici are buried, and learn how their religious influence shaped Florence.

Explore iconic landmarks

Marvel at Michelangelo’s Medici tomb sculptures in the Medici Chapels as your guide explains their artistic significance. Stroll through Piazza della Signoria and uncover the stories behind its statues, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Conclude by learning the fascinating history of the Vasari Corridor, the Medici’s private passageway.

Medici's Mile Guided Walking Tour

Discover Florence’s rich history and cultural heritage on this 90-minute guided tour that includes in-depth insights into the Medici family's legacy. Explore key landmarks such as Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Galleries, and Palazzo Pitti. This sightseeing experience offers audio guides in multiple languages including English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The tour covers approximately 1 mile of walking distance through the heart of Florence's historic center, with stops at pivotal sites like the Medici Chapels and the Vasari Corridor. With four main POIs—Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Pitti, and Uffizi Galleries—the tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s Renaissance art and architecture. The tour is wheelchair accessible with advanced notice, making it ideal for all travelers.

Explore Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Your tour stops at Palazzo Medici Riccardi where you'll see one of Florence's most iconic Renaissance palaces built in 1458. Covering an area of approximately 60,000 square feet, this palace features grandiose architecture and interiors decorated by some of the greatest artists of the time including Michelozzo and Botticelli. Visitors can spend about 20 minutes inside exploring its rich history, including the famous Medici family's influence on Florence’s development during the Renaissance era. The unique aspect of Palazzo Medici Riccardi is its blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, making it stand out among other Italian palaces. This palace matters to the tour as it serves as a testament to the Medici family's power and their patronage of arts and architecture.

Admire Basilica di San Lorenzo

At Basilica di San Lorenzo, guests can delve into one of Florence’s oldest churches built in 1421. The church spans approximately 50,000 square feet and is renowned for its intricate Gothic architecture and the tombs of several Medici family members inside. Visitors spend about 15 minutes exploring this historic site, learning about key historical events like the marriage of Lorenzo de' Medici to Clarice Orsini in 1469. The church’s significance lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also as a spiritual sanctuary for the Medici family throughout the centuries.

Marvel at Piazza della Signoria

Your tour takes you through Piazza della Signoria, a central square of Florence since 1268. This bustling piazza covers an area of roughly 40,000 square feet and is home to several masterpieces including Michelangelo’s David (original located in the Accademia Gallery), the Neptune Fountain by Ammannati, and Palazzo Vecchio. Visitors can spend around 30 minutes here enjoying its vibrant atmosphere while learning about significant events like the execution of Girolamo Savonarola in 1498. The piazza’s unique blend of historical significance and lively contemporary activities makes it a must-see on any Florence tour.

Discover Palazzo Vecchio

The tour leads you to Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of Florentine government since 1299. This historic building covers an area of approximately 50,000 square feet and houses stunning art collections including works by Donatello and Botticelli. Visitors spend about 25 minutes exploring its rich history and architecture, learning about key historical events such as the Battle of Anghiari in 1440. Palazzo Vecchio’s significance lies not only in its architectural splendor but also in its role as a political stronghold for powerful families like the Medici.

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy a walking tour exploring Florence's Medici legacy
• Walk through Palazzo Medici Riccardi, 90-minute experience
• Marvel at Michelangelo’s Medici tomb sculptures in the Chapels
• Visit Piazza della Signoria with masterpieces like David
• Stop by Vasari Corridor linking Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti
• Audio guides available in English, Italian, German, French, Spanish
• Access to Uffizi Galleries and Palazzo Pitti included
• Wheelchair accessible with advanced notice

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and architecture buffs, this guided walking tour provides unparalleled insight into Florence's Renaissance heritage through key landmarks. The 90-minute format allows you to explore Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Piazza della Signoria, and Palazzo Vecchio, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the city’s rich cultural history while enjoying its iconic sites.