February 18, 2025 marks the anniversary of the death of Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, the last descendant of the grand ducal house of Medici. It is a very important anniversary in order not to forget this extraordinary woman who marked the history of Florence!

The Family Pact

Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, known as the Electrice Palatina for her marriage to Giovanni Guglielmo Elector Palatine of the Rhine, is best remembered for the Family Pact she made with Francesco Stefano of Lorraine, by which she bound all the Medici collections (including paintings, statues, libraries and jewelry) to the State of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, thus ensuring that they remained in Florence for the public and to attract foreign visitors. This gesture had a lasting impact on the city’s cultural heritage.

The life of the last of the Medici

Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, known as the Electrice Palatina, was born in Florence on August 11, 1667. She was the last descendant of the Medici dynasty, one of the most influential families of the Italian Renaissance. The daughter of Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici and Margaret Louise of Orleans, she grew up in a cultured and refined environment, surrounded by art and culture.

In 1691 she married John Charles William, Prince-Elector of the Palatinate, moving to Düsseldorf. However, the marriage was unhappy and childless, and in 1716 she was widowed. She then returned to Florence, where she devoted herself to the preservation of her family’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Aware of the imminent extinction of the dynasty, Anna Maria Luisa made a historic choice: she entered into the Family Pact with Francis Stephen of Lorraine, successor to the throne of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. With this agreement, she bound all the Medici collections-including paintings, statues, libraries, jewelry and other precious goods-to the Tuscan state, mandating that nothing could be removed from Florence. This decision ensured that the Medici’s vast cultural heritage would remain intact and accessible to the public, transforming Florence into a world capital of art.

Anna Maria Luisa died in Florence on February 18, 1743, and was buried in the Medici Chapels of San Lorenzo. Her foresight and love for the city left an indelible mark on Florence’s history, making her a much-loved and remembered figure even today.

Feb. 18 events in Florence

The Florentine Civic Museums and MUS.E will pay tribute to her with a special event. In addition to free admission to the Florentine Civic Museums and Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a living history will be held at Palazzo Vecchio during which visitors will be able to “dialogue” with the Electress Palatina, reliving the story of this prominent female figure. Reservations required, for info consult the MUS.E. website.

The Historical Procession

In the morning of Feb. 18, the Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic parades through the streets of the center. Departing from Palagio di Parte Guelfa at 10:20 a.m., it travels through the streets of the historic center until arriving in Piazza San Lorenzo where the Uffizi flag bearers perform. Finally, the procession enters the Medici Chapels to lay a floral tribute on the tomb of Anna Maria Luisa. Not to be missed!