Medici Chapel
Attached to the Basilica San Lorenzo are the New Sacristy, a mortuary chapel for members of the Medici Family, and the enormous dome of the Cappella dei Principi. Constructed by various Renaissance artists, visit this marvel with skip-the-line tickets.
Skip the Line Tickets : Medici Chapel
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Skip the lines and visit the tombs of the illustrious Medici family in the Basilica San Lorenzo
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Marvel at the New Sacristy, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance designed by Michelangelo
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Enter the Chapel of the Princes to see the mausoleum of the Medici Grand Dukes
More details
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Skip the lines and visit the tombs of the illustrious Medici family in the Basilica San Lorenzo
-
Marvel at the New Sacristy, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance designed by Michelangelo
-
Enter the Chapel of the Princes to see the mausoleum of the Medici Grand Dukes
Guided Walking Tour of Medici’s Mile
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Enjoy a delightful stroll through Florence, the enchanting cradle of the Renaissance, uncovering its iconic treasures with an expert guide by your side.
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Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of the illustrious Medici Family, narrated with passion and expertise by our guide.
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Traverse charming streets adorned with historic churches, majestic palaces, vibrant art galleries, quaint cafes, and UNESCO-listed gems, creating unforgettable memories at every step.
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Follow the path of intrigue along the exterior of the Vasari Corridor, a hidden passage weaving through the city, adding an extra layer of mystique to your Florence adventure.
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Fun Fact: Though not from a noble bloodline, the Medici family was the wealthiest family during the 15th century, and amongst a long list of achievements, the credit for modern gelato also goes to them.
More details
-
Enjoy a delightful stroll through Florence, the enchanting cradle of the Renaissance, uncovering its iconic treasures with an expert guide by your side.
-
Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of the illustrious Medici Family, narrated with passion and expertise by our guide.
-
Traverse charming streets adorned with historic churches, majestic palaces, vibrant art galleries, quaint cafes, and UNESCO-listed gems, creating unforgettable memories at every step.
-
Follow the path of intrigue along the exterior of the Vasari Corridor, a hidden passage weaving through the city, adding an extra layer of mystique to your Florence adventure.
-
Fun Fact: Though not from a noble bloodline, the Medici family was the wealthiest family during the 15th century, and amongst a long list of achievements, the credit for modern gelato also goes to them.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Before your visit, read about the history of the Medici family, especially the lives of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his descendants. Understanding their influence on Florence and Renaissance art will enrich your experience.
Familiarize yourself with Michelangelo's work on the New Sacristy (Sagrestia Nuova), including his sculptures of the Medici tombs. This knowledge will help you appreciate the artistic and symbolic nuances of the sculptures.
Arrive early or visit late in the afternoon to avoid the peak tourist crowds. This allows for a more peaceful experience to appreciate the art and architecture. If possible, visit on a weekday when the chapel is less likely to be crowded.
Go beyond the main rooms like the crypt beneath the chapel, where some members of the Medici family are buried, is often overlooked. It's a quieter area that provides additional historical context.
If possible, arrange a visit to the Laurentian Library, designed by Michelangelo, located nearby. It offers insight into the intellectual pursuits of the Medici family.
Notice the transition from Renaissance to Mannerist style in the chapel’s design, which is characterized by a more dynamic and expressive approach.
Consider joining a guided tour that focuses specifically on the Medici Chapel. An expert guide can provide deeper insights and stories that you might miss on your own.
Visit the nearby Medici Palace to see where the family lived and governed. The palace also houses the beautiful Magi Chapel with frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli.The Medici Chapel is part of the larger Basilica of San Lorenzo complex. Take time to explore the church, another significant site funded by the Medici family.
Top things to do in Florence
About Medici Chapel
Attached to the Basilica San Lorenzo are the New Sacristy, a mortuary chapel for members of the Medici Family, and the enormous dome of the Cappella dei Principi. Constructed by various Renaissance artists, visit this marvel with skip-the-line tickets.
Michelangelo was personally acquainted with three of the four Medici family members buried in the chapel. This emotional connection is reflected in his powerful sculptures, which seem to meditate on mortality and the swift passage of time.
Surprisingly, the chapel is strikingly devoid of Christian imagery, focusing instead on humanistic themes and the Medici family's legacy. This departure from traditional religious decoration adds to the chapel's unique atmosphere.
Due to political upheaval in Florence, Michelangelo was forced to abandon the chapel before completing his original vision. The triangular room intended to hold the library's rarest treasures was never executed, leaving the chapel as an unfinished, yet still an inspiring, masterpiece.
The Medici family played a role in the creation of one of Italy's most beloved delicacies - gelato. In 1565, the Florentine chef Bernardo Buontalenti, who worked for the Medici, invented modern gelato, creating the famous "Florentine cream" and "Buontalenti" dessert.
The chapel features Michelangelo's most original wall designs, with a bold rearrangement of traditional architectural components. The sculptures, such as "Night", "Day", "Dawn" and "Dusk", are equally innovative, personifying abstract concepts in striking, muscular forms.
Why visit Medici Chapel?
Plan your visit
1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of the month - 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM
Closed: The chapels remain closed on Tuesdays as well as on 1st May, 25th December, and 1st January.
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