Pazzi family

Italian family

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June 17, 2026

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The Pazzi family was a prominent Italian family in Florence, known for their rivalry with the ruling Medici family. In 1478, the Pazzi, in league with Pope Sixtus IV and others, orchestrated a conspiracy to overthrow the Medici. This plot, known as the Pazzi conspiracy, involved an assassination attempt on Lorenzo de' Medici and his brother Giuliano during mass. While Giuliano was killed, Lorenzo survived. The conspiracy failed, and the people of Florence rallied to the Medici, leading to the ruthless pursuit and execution of the conspirators. The aftermath strengthened Lorenzo de' Medici's power and led to a war with the papacy.12

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Filippo Brunelleschi
Architectural career
…and influential Florentine family, the Pazzi, commissioned Brunelleschi to design a chapel adjacent to the monastic Church of Santa Croce that was intended to be a chapter house (a place of assembly for monks to conduct business). Work probably did not begin before 1442; the building still was not complete…
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…and influential Florentine family, the Pazzi, commissioned Brunelleschi to design a chapel adjacent to the monastic Church of Santa Croce that was intended to be a chapter house (a place of assembly for monks to conduct business). Work probably did not begin before 1442; the building still was not complete…
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Italy
Florence of Italy
…pope’s family and the Florentine Pazzi family to overthrow Medici rule. In April 1478 the Pazzi assassinated Lorenzo’s brother Giuliano but failed to kill Lorenzo, and the insurgents, denied support by the citizens, were captured and executed. Yet the “War of the Pazzi” (1478–80) that followed, with Florence pitted against…
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…pope’s family and the Florentine Pazzi family to overthrow Medici rule. In April 1478 the Pazzi assassinated Lorenzo’s brother Giuliano but failed to kill Lorenzo, and the insurgents, denied support by the citizens, were captured and executed. Yet the “War of the Pazzi” (1478–80) that followed, with Florence pitted against…
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Pazzi conspiracy
…was led by the rival Pazzi family of Florence.
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…was led by the rival Pazzi family of Florence.
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