The Medici Formula: How a Bandit Pope and Forbidden Fortune Built Florence
3 hours
They committed the "great sin" of their age—lending money at interest—yet built their way to salvation through art. In medieval Florence, bankers risked eternal damnation, but the Medici turned their "dirty" wealth into divine glory, commissioning chapels so beautiful they hoped God might overlook their ledgers.
Your Journey Begins at San Marco Convent
Walk where Cosimo the Elder—terrified for his soul—funded Fra Angelico’s golden frescoes, trading florins for forgiveness in a monastery built to cleanse his fortune
Stand in Savonarola’s cell, where the fanatical monk screamed that no amount of Medici gold could buy salvation (before the family’s allies burned him at the stake)
Then, to the Magi Chapel – Florence’s Greatest Illusion
Step inside the jewel-box chapel where the Medici rewrote their story:
The Banking Sin Hidden in Plain Sight: Three Magi (kings bearing gifts) subtly justify their wealth—as if saying even Biblical royals traded gold
Cosimo, the "humble" man in red amidst the procession (not a king), while his grandson Lorenzo shines as the golden-haired monarch
Every Brushstroke a Calculation: Even the exotic animals whisper of Medici trade networks that made their fortune
Why This Tour?
Guilt to Glory: See how they turned banking profits into Brunelleschi’s domes and Michelangelo’s marbles—their spiritual "receipts"
Survival Strategies: From dodging assassination to manipulating papal pardons when their sins caught up with them
The Art of Power: Decode how Botticelli’s Primavera and Gozzoli’s frescoes were financial transactions with God
Your Guide
An art historian with a passion for Renaissance intrigue, your guide has lectured on Medici politics at the University of Florence and penned essays on their artistic propaganda. Known for his knack for storytelling, he’ll make you feel like you’re sipping wine with Lorenzo himself—minus the risk of poisoning ;)
Practical Details
Duration: 3 hours
Tickets: Not included; we assist with official bookings
Walking: Moderate (cobblestones, some steps in museums)
Private Group Pricing (3-hour tour):
1 person: €369
2 people: €185 per person
3 people: €124 per person
4 people: €93 per person
5 people: €75 per person
6 people: €69 per person
7 people: €59 per person
8 people: €52 per person
9 people: €46 per person
10 people: €43 per person