On 26 April 1478, Francesco de' Pazzi participated in the assassination attempt of Lorenzo and Giuliano de' Medici at the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral. Born in 1444 within the Republic of Florence, he occupied a position as a banker, representing a prominent noble family during a period when commerce relied heavily on personal credit and familial influence.
The Pazzi Conspiracy
The conspiracy sought to displace the Medici family as the ruling power in the Florentine Republic. Alongside his uncle, Jacopo de' Pazzi, Francesco organized an attack on Easter Sunday. During the chaos at the cathedral, Francesco and Bernardo Baroncelli targeted Giuliano de' Medici. Francesco inflicted a fatal wound to Giuliano’s head before delivering 19 additional stabbings. While Lorenzo de' Medici survived his injuries, the failure of the plot led to immediate repercussions for the conspirators.
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Following the failed attempt, Francesco fled to his uncle's villa, where he nursed a leg injury sustained during the cathedral assault. His respite was brief. Authorities and an angry mob hunted the conspirators, eventually dragging Francesco from his bed. He was paraded through the streets of Florence and executed by hanging from the Palazzo della Signoria. His body was displayed beside that of the conspirator Francesco Salviati, marking the end of his involvement in Florentine politics.
Cultural Legacy
The Pazzi conspiracy remains a frequent subject in literature and media. Francesco has been depicted in various formats, including the 1893 opera I Medici, where he was performed by Ludovico Contini. His role as an antagonist is featured in the video game Assassin's Creed II, as well as the television series Da Vinci's Demons and Medici: Masters of Florence. Additionally, references to the family’s history appear in the film Hannibal and the novel Florenzer.
Fast facts
- Born: 1444, Florence
- Died: 1478, Florence
- Occupation: Banker
- Citizenship: Republic of Florence
- Religion: Catholicism
- Language: Italian
Questions readers ask
What was the objective of the Pazzi conspiracy?
The goal was to displace the Medici family as the rulers of the Florentine Republic.
How did Francesco de' Pazzi die?
After the failed assassination attempt, he was captured by a mob and hanged from the Palazzo della Signoria in Florence.
