Cappelle Medicee
About
The Medici Chapels, known locally as Cappelle Medicee, lie within the cloistered apse of Florence's Basilica of San Lorenzo. Designed by some of the era's most celebrated architects – Brunelleschi, Michelangelo and Bernardo Buontalenti – the chapel is a treasure trove of Renaissance art, marble sculpture and meticulous funerary design. The octagonal, dome‑shaped Cappella dei Principi houses the grand tombs of the Medici family, while the richly glazed cupola bears Vincenzo Meucci’s dramatic fresco of the ‘Glory of Florentine Saints’. Inside, visitors encounter a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere where Michelangelo’s hidden sketches beneath the New Sacristy provide a rare glimpse into the master’s creative process. Whether you’re a history buff, artist or simply seeking a moment of reflection within a masterpieces’ setting, the Medici Chapels offer an unforgettable journey through Florentine splendour.
Highlights
- Medici Tombs
- Mannerist Architecture
- Fresco Gallery
- Concealed Corridor
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
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At a glance
- Typical visit: about 30 minutes