The Medici Chapels, built between 1520 and 1640, are a grand mausoleum adjoining Florence's Basilica of San Lorenzo. They feature Michelangelo's New Sacristy and the opulent Chapel of the Princes, celebrating the Medici family's power and artistic...
Also Known As
Cappelle Medicee
Founded On
1640
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
08:15–18:50
VISITORS PER YEAR
321043
TICKETS
From € 15
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
In 1975, a secret room was discovered comprising charcoal drawings attributed to Michelangelo. It is said that he hid in the tiny chamber for 2 months to escape a death sentence.
Michelangelo's New Sacristy was intended to be a grand tomb for Lorenzo the Magnificent, but it was never completed. Lorenzo's remains are buried under the altar without a monumental tomb because Michelangelo left Florence and never returned to finish the project.
Behind the altar in the Chapel of the Princes is a small reliquary chamber housing precious artifacts, sacred objects, paintings by renowned artists such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio, and caskets including one dedicated to St. John the Baptist, patron saint of Florence.
The Medici Chapels blend Renaissance and Baroque styles. Divided into two sections-the New Sacristy and the Chapel of the Princes-they honor the Medici dynasty’s legacy through art and architecture. Both spaces reflect the family’s wealth and influence, serving as grand mausoleums and artistic landmarks.
The New Sacristy combines classical and Renaissance elements. Its cubical layout features a dome, white walls, and gray pietra serena stone. The tombs display Michelangelo’s sculptures-Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk-symbolizing time’s passage. Though unfinished, Giorgio Vasari later completed the work, preserving its dramatic contrast and emotional depth.
Built by Matteo Nigetti, this Baroque chapel dazzles with colorful marbles and semi-precious stones. Its octagonal design, crowned by a 59-meter dome, houses six grand sarcophagi for Medici rulers. The Opificio delle Pietre Dure workshop crafted intricate inlays, transforming the space into a glittering tribute to Medici power and craftsmanship.
Together, the chapels celebrate the Medici family’s patronage and Florence’s artistic genius. Michelangelo’s innovative designs and the Chapel’s lavish materials highlight Renaissance-Baroque transitions. They remain enduring symbols of wealth, devotion, and the era’s mastery of architecture and decorative arts.
The New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, is a mausoleum that serves as the final resting place for members of the Medici family. It features sculptures by Michelangelo, including the Dawn, Dusk, Day, and Night figures, which adorn the tombs of Giuliano and Lorenzo de' Medici. The chapel is in line with Brunelleschi's Old Sacristy architecturally but remains unfinished due to Michelangelo's departure from Florence, leaving Lorenzo and Giuliano's remains without grand tombs.
This grand octagonal mausoleum is renowned for its lavish interiors, adorned with marble, granite, jasper, and semi-precious stones. It houses the sarcophagi of six Medici Grand Dukes and their wives. The dome, designed by Buontalenti, is about 60 meters high and features frescoes illustrating scenes from the Bible. The chapel is a testament to the wealth and influence of the Medici family, and an example of Baroque architecture, a style that was less common in Florence at the time.
Located beneath the Medici Chapels, the Medici Crypt houses the tombs of several members of the Medici family, including some of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany and their wives. The crypt is part of the complex that includes the New Sacristy and the Chapel of the Princes, serving as a burial ground for lesser-known members of the Medici family. The crypt is noted for its solemn, plain yet impactful design, contrasting with the grandeur of the upper chapels.
The Lorraine Crypt is located behind the crypt altar, under the choir of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence. It houses the remains of the Lorraine family, who succeeded the Medicis as rulers of Tuscany. The crypt was recently reopened to the public after restoration work, offering a glimpse into the history of the Lorraine dynasty and their connection to the Medici family.
Discovered in 1975, Michelangelo's Secret Room is a small, hidden chamber located beneath the New Sacristy. The artist hid in the chamber to escape a death sentence from Pope Clement VII. The room contains charcoal drawings attributed to Michelangelo, believed to be sketches for future projects. It is accessible with mandatory advance booking and restricted to small groups due to preservation needs.
To know moreThe Reliquary Chamber houses exquisite sacred objects, including boxes containing holy relics made from precious silver and gold. These relics are associated with saints and martyrs, reflecting the Medici family's devotion to the church. Notable reliquaries include the one dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. Cosimo, adorned with colored enamels. The chamber also features paintings by renowned artists like Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.
The Medici Chapels are located inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence.
No. You have to buy separate tickets in advance to visit Michelangelo's Secret Room as it is not included in your standard Medici Chapels tickets.
The chapels are architecturally unique due to their blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles. The New Sacristy features innovative use of light and sculptural elements. The Chapel of the Princes showcases lavish inlays of precious stones, representing Florentine mosaics that create a stunning visual effect.
No. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Medici Chapels.
Yes, guided tours are available and recommended for those seeking more detailed information about the chapels.
Yes, the Medici Chapels are accessible for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, with ramps and elevators connecting all floors.
It takes about 2 hours to complete a tour of the chapels.
Limited seating is available inside the Medici Chapels, so be prepared to stand or walk for most of your visit.
Yes, you can enter the Medici Chapels for free on the first Sunday of every month.