2024 is the year in which we celebrate the anniversary of the death, in 1574, of two extraordinary Renaissance figures, who left their mark on the history of Florence and Tuscany: Cosimo I de' Medici, Duke of Florence and the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Giorgio Vasari, a versatile artist, perfect example of a man of culture of his time, a painter, art historian and architect at the court of Cosimo I.

A staunch supporter of the power of art as a symbol of prestige and of enlightened government, Cosimo I changed the face of Florence and carried out a long list of works and interventions across the vast territory of the Grand Duchy, with Giorgio Vasari heading the most important work sites. Vasari’s name is, in fact, linked to the design of the building in which the Uffizi Gallery is now located, that of the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the 500) in Palazzo Vecchio, as well as the internal renovation of the basilicas of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce. 

 450 years after the death of these two protagonists of the history of the Grand Duchy, the Municipalities of Tuscany commemorate their achievements and celebrate their legacy, with exhibitions and special events. 

In Florence, the Horne Museum, a place to discover the city's customs, traditions and art between 1400 and 1500, and Casa Vasari, the artist’s home during the last part of his life, offer guided tours, readings, special openings and artist campuses.

Until February 2025, Giorgio Vasari’s life and artistic activities can be retraced in his city of birth, Arezzo, thanks to a well-structured program consisting of exhibitions, itineraries, works and rare documents.

The city of Pisa, where the joint work of Cosimo I and Vasari has left a mark of exceptional value, will host a conference with history and architecture experts, as well as art historians. For the occasion, Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici, Palazzo della Sapienza and the Bastione del Barbagianni (Bastion of the Barn Owls) will open their doors and educational activities and workshops for children and young people will be organized.

In Fucecchio, guided tours are scheduled, dedicated to some of the landscape transformation and territorial construction projects desired by Cosimo I in the lower Medio Valdarno area. The itinerary will lead from Villa di Cerreto Guidi, the Grand Duke's residence and now a Unesco site, on a route through the wetland area, using the typical vessels adopted for the marshes, to reach Ponte di Cappiano, a bridge built to regulate the waters of Lake Fucecchio.

...and that’s not all!
This page contains travel tips, ideas, itineraries of places, cities and villages for discovering the great legacy left by the first Grand Duke of Tuscany and his favorite artist.