A centuries-old will, a direct descendant of the Medici dynasty, and the cultural treasures of Florence are at the center of a legal battle that reads like the plot of a historical drama. Since 2016, the courts have been grappling with a case that intertwines history, law, and the legacy of one of the most renowned families in European history.
At the heart of the dispute is the claim of the self-proclaimed last heir of the Medici family, identified as the “firstborn male descendant in the secular male lineage” of the dynasty. This individual has sued the Italian State, the Ministry of Culture, and the Prime Minister’s office, asserting his entitlement to an annual lifelong income tied to a historical financial entity known as the Monte del Sale (Salt Fund). This income, amounting to the modern equivalent of €84 million per year, was allegedly stipulated in the will of Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, the last descendant of the grand ducal branch of the family.
The Will That Started It All
Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, who lived from 1667 to 1743, was the daughter of Grand Duke Cosimo III and Princess Marguerite Louise of Orléans. In her 1739 testament, she reportedly allocated substantial resources to her male descendants, starting with 1,500 shares of the Monte del Sale. These funds, she declared, were meant to perpetuate the Medici legacy, preserve Florence’s artistic heritage, and benefit future generations.
However, the centuries have not been kind to such claims. The Grand Duchy of Tuscany, along with its financial structures, became part of the Italian Republic, and church properties tied to the Medici were absorbed by the state under laws dissolving ecclesiastical estates. This evolution is the crux of the legal argument: the claimant asserts that the will constitutes an international treaty linked to the Medici’s Patto di Famiglia (Family Pact) and the Treaty of Vienna, which should be respected by the Italian government.
Legal Claims and Court Rulings
The claimant frames the will as more than a personal document, viewing it as a legal cornerstone for protecting Florence’s artistic wealth. By this logic, the €84 million annual income, starting from 1998, should have been granted to him and his descendants.
Italian courts, however, have not been persuaded. Both the first instance judge and the Florence Court of Appeal dismissed the lawsuit. While recognizing the claimant’s lineage, they concluded that the will lacked the necessary formalities to qualify as an international treaty and was merely a testamentary act. As such, it does not hold binding legal power over the Italian state.
A Modern Perspective on a Historical Dispute
Beyond the legal intricacies, this case highlights the enduring fascination with the Medici family and their contributions to culture and history. While the claimant’s arguments might not prevail in court, they underscore the importance of Florence’s heritage and the role of the Medici in shaping it.
For now, the drama continues to captivate public attention, blending echoes of the past with the realities of the present. Whether the claimant will appeal to higher courts or the case will rest as another chapter in Florence’s rich history remains to be seen.