Introduction
The history of The Niccolini Florentine Family is a fascinating journey from the Tuscan countryside to the political and commercial heart of medieval Florence. Rooted in legend, documents, and social transformation, this family perfectly represents how rural lineages evolved into influential urban dynasties during the Middle Ages.
Origins of the Niccolini Family
Around 1250, an internal split within the Sirigatti family gave rise to what would later become the Niccolini lineage. Originally from the Val di Pesa, the Sirigatti embodied a typical medieval dual identity. As landowners, they controlled rural properties, while at the same time maintaining a strong bond of loyalty and service to the Abbey of Passignano.
The earliest known member is a man named Arrigo, recorded in documents as “Arrigus vocatus Sirigattus, fictaiolus perpetualis et fidelis Abbatie”. In practical terms, he was a sort of official dough-maker and devoted servant of the abbey. Clearly, this was not the kind of role that inspired epic storytelling. And yet, as often happens, family tradition later attempted to romanticize his figure.
Legend Versus Historical Reality
According to legend, Arrigo fought in the Battle of Benevento in 1266, distinguishing himself so greatly that he earned the nickname “Sire of the Cat”, inspired by the feline emblem on his shield. From Sire del Gatto to Sirigatti, the leap seemed natural.
However, historical chronology tells a different story. At the time of the battle, Arrigo had already been dead for several years. In short, the cat ran faster than the documents. Nevertheless, this legend remains a revealing example of how medieval families often reshaped their origins to enhance prestige.
From Countryside to Florence
The Niccolini Florentine Family truly began its Florentine chapter at the end of the 13th century, thanks to Nicolino di Ruza di Arrigo. He was the first to move permanently to Florence, marking a decisive shift from rural life to urban ambition.
From Nicolino onward, the family adopted the name Niccolini dei Sirigatti, later shortened to simply Niccolini. This transformation reflects a common medieval pattern: once absorbed by the city, rural identities were streamlined and reinvented to suit urban society.
Mercantile Success in Republican Florence
Once in Florence, the Niccolini quickly established themselves in mercantile activities, achieving both wealth and influence. Over time, they became fully integrated into the economic and political fabric of the Florentine Republic.
Among the most prominent figures stands Lapo di Giovanni di Lapo (1356–1429), a wealthy merchant and an important political actor. His life embodies the practical intelligence and disciplined mindset of Florence’s ruling merchant class.
A Rare Window into Daily Life
One of Lapo’s most valuable legacies is his Libro di Ricordanze, preserved today in the Carte Strozziane at the Archivio di Stato di Firenze. This personal record book—an early form of a private archive—contains notes on business dealings, family memories, and everyday life.
Thanks to this document, The Niccolini Florentine Family offers historians a rare and vivid glimpse into the mental world of late medieval Florence, where commerce, memory, and identity were tightly intertwined.
Why the Niccolini Matter Today
Ultimately, the story of The Niccolini Florentine Family is more than a genealogy. It is a case study in social mobility, urbanization, and the power of narrative—both historical and mythical—in shaping family identity. For anyone interested in Florentine history, medieval society, or cultural heritage tourism, the Niccolini remain a compelling example.
External Sources for Further Reading
- Abbey of Passignano history: https://www.passignano.it
- Battle of Benevento (1266): https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Benevento
- Archivio di Stato di Firenze: https://www.archiviodistato.firenze.it
- Medieval Florence overview: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/flor/hd_flor.htm
