Medici Chapels: Tickets

Medici Chapels FAQs

• What are the Medici Chapels?
• The Medici Chapels are part of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence and serve as the mausoleum for the Medici family, a noble and political family.
• Who designed the Medici Chapels?
• Michelangelo designed the New Sacristy, while the Chapel of the Princes was created by several architects, including Matteo Nigetti. The fact that Michelangelo was involved shows the importance of the Medici family.
• When were the Medici Chapels built?
• Construction began in 1520 for the New Sacristy and in 1604 for the Chapel of the Princes.
• Who is buried in the Medici Chapels?
• Prominent members of the Medici family, including Lorenzo the Magnificent, his brother Giuliano, and others. There are 49 family members in total buried there.
• What is the New Sacristy? The New Sacristy was designed by Michelangelo, and it houses the tombs of Lorenzo and Giuliano de’ Medici, with famous sculptures such as Day, Night, Dawn, and Dusk.
• What is the Chapel of the Princes? The Chapel of the Princes is an octagonal, Baroque-style room that was built to glorify the Medici family with lavish decoration and inlaid semi-precious stones.
• What is the significance of Michelangelo’s sculptures in the New Sacristy in the Medici Chapels?
• Michelangelo’s sculptures represent allegories of time and mortality, embodying Renaissance ideals of humanism and artistic genius.
• Why were the Medici family so important?
• The Medici family was one of the most influential families in Florence, playing a key role in the politics, culture, and economy of the Renaissance. One of the wealthiest families of the time.
• What kind of art can you see in the Medici Chapels?
• The chapels feature Renaissance and Baroque art, including sculptures, frescoes, and intricate inlaid stonework.
• How long does a visit to the Medici Chapels take?
• A typical visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Are there guided tours available of the Medici Chapels?
• Yes, guided tours are available, and they provide in-depth information about the chapels and the Medici family. Click HERE to see Guided Tour Ticket Options.
• What is the best time to visit the Medici Chapels?
• Early in the morning or late in the afternoon is ideal to avoid crowds.
• How far are the Medici Chapels from Florence’s city centre?
• The Medici Chapels are within walking distance from the city centre, near other major Florence attractions like the Duomo.

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Medici Chapels Interesting Facts

• Family Mausoleum: The Medici Chapels house the remains of almost 50 members of the Medici family.
• Family Importance: Michelangelo worked on the sculptures in the New Sacristy between 1520 and 1534, though he left some unfinished.
• Wealth & Power: The Chapel of the Princes was designed to be an enormous statement of Medici power, with a massive 59-metre-high dome.
• Rare Techniques: The inlay work in the Chapel of the Princes uses a rare technique called ‘Pietra Dura’, which involves cutting and fitting semi-precious stones.
• Grandeur: Lorenzo the Magnificent’s tomb is not the grandest in the chapels despite his historical importance.
• Unfinished Work: Michelangelo originally designed the tombs in the New Sacristy with more elaborate plans, but he had to leave Florence before they were completed.
• Lasting Legacy: Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, the last of the family line, ensured that the Medici art collections were left to the city of Florence, preserving its cultural heritage.
• Secret Passage: The New Sacristy contains hidden passages used by Michelangelo during the Siege of Florence in 1529.
• Size Matters: The Medici Chapels are part of the larger complex of the San Lorenzo Basilica, which itself was the parish church of the Medici family.