The Siege of Florence (1529-1530) marked the end of the Florentine Republic and the reinstatement of Medici rule. A key element in the imperial forces’ success was the strategic use of the Torre del Gallo, whose elevated position allowed precise artillery targeting of San Miniato. Count Pier Maria de’ Rossi led the artillery operations alongside Alessandro Vitelli, a skilled leader commanding 3,000 infantrymen. Vitelli’s leadership, logistical coordination, and loyalty to the Medici were critical to the siege’s success.
Beginning in October 1529, the siege involved advanced Renaissance warfare strategies, culminating in Florence’s surrender in August 1530. This event ended Florence’s republican experiment and signified the dominance of the Medici family. Today, the Torre del Gallo and a commemorative plaque at Villa Giovannelli honor the historical significance of the siege.
Come with us to visit Florence in our free walking tour, where you have the possibility to discover this Renaissance cradle and its history.
