Skip to main content

Grand Duke Of Tuscany Gallery

The Grand Duke of Tuscany was a title held by the rulers of the Tuscan state from 1569 to 1860



All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

The Grand Duke of Tuscany was a title held by the rulers of the Tuscan state from 1569 to 1860. The first Grand Duke, Cosimo I de' Medici, was appointed in 1569 by Pope Pius V. He was succeeded by his son, Francesco I de' Medici, who ruled until his death in 1587. The title then passed to his son-in-law and cousin, Ferdinando I de' Medici, who reigned until 1737. His successors included Gian Gastone de' Medici (1737–1765), Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena (1765–1790), and Leopold II di Lorena (1790–1801). In 1801, with the death of Leopold II di Lorena, the title became extinct as it passed out of the House of Lorraine into other hands. During their reigns as Grand Dukes of Tuscany, these rulers were responsible for numerous reforms and improvements to Tuscan society including economic development projects such as road construction and irrigation systems; educational reforms such as establishing universities; cultural initiatives such as founding art academies; and military expansion through alliances with other European powers. They also played an important role in Italian unification during the 19th century.