Top Things to Do in Florence: Medici Chapels
- Laura
- Jul 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 3
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Add the burial place of the Medici family, the Medici Chapels, to your short list of things to do in Florence Italy.
Part of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the stunning funeral chapels feature works by Michelangelo and other masters.
Nestled in the heart of Florence, the plain exterior of the complex masks the magnificence of the monuments that lies within. As patrons of the arts, the Medici family transformed a simple family church into a basilica housing some of the Western world’s greatest art.
WHAT ARE THE MEDICI CHAPELS FLORENCE
Address: Cappelle Medicee, Piazza di Mdonna degli Aldobrandini, 5, 50123 Firenze Fl, Italy
The Museum of Cappelle Medicee (Medici Chapels) are the funeral chapels of the Medici family. Located in Florence Italy, the two chapels were built in the of the 16th and 17th centuries as additions to the Basilica of San Lorenzo under the patronage of the Medici family.
The two chapels, Sagrestia Nuova (New Chapel) and Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes), were proclaimed a national monument and turned into a museum in 1869.
FIND TICKETS AND TOURS
WHO WERE THE MEDICI’S
The Medici’s were a prominent Italian family who reigned over Florence for some 300 years between the 1400-1700s.
During this era, the family created the Medici Bank, elevated two family members to the position of Pope, and grew the city. They are responsible for the development of such landmarks as the Basilica of di San Lorenzo, Pitti Palace, Uffizi Gallery, and Boboli Gardens.
The family was well-known as a patron of the arts. When the Medicis decided to transform the Basilica of San Lorenzo into a mausoleum for family members, they hired the most talented artists and architects of the day including Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, and Donatello.
WHY VISIT THE MEDICI CHAPELS
Dating back to the 4th century, the Basilica of San Lorenzo is packed with antiquity. Add to that history the works of an incredible collection of 15th century artists who were commissioned by the Medici’s to transform the church into a splendid family mausoleum. The result is a must-see heritage site overflowing with Renaissance masterpieces.
Visit the Medici Chapels and Basilica San Lorenzo to see Brunelleschi’s architecture, Michelangelo’s sculptures, Donatello pulpits, and works by Verrocchio, Bronzino, and Lippi.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
When planning your day at the Medici Chapels Florence, it’s important to realize that the site is run by three different entities with separate entrances and ticketing for each (see breakdown below). Also, to avoid queuing, consider purchasing online tickets prior to your visit.
TIP: If you can only pick one ticket, pick the Medici Chapels.
Medici Chapels Tickets
Medici Chapels tickets are purchased through the Museo Nazionale dell Bargello. The ticket includes entrance to the Medici Crypts, New Sacristy, and Prince’s Chapel. Pricing: $9 full price adult (2025). Add-on ticket for “Michelangelo’s Secret Room” $32 full price adult (2025)
Basilica of San Lorenzo Tickets
The Basilica of San Lorenzo complex tickets are purchased through the Basilica. The ticket includes entrance to the Basilica, Old Sacristy, and the Treasury Museum. Pricing: $9 full price adult (2025).
Laurentian Library Tickets
Laurentian Library tickets can be purchased at the door or online. The ticket includes entrance to the library (combination tickets are available with other complex locations). Pricing: $5 full adult price (2025).
Opening Days & Medici Chapels Florence Hours
The Medici Chapels are generally open 7 days a week from 8:15 am until 6:50 pm (later closing times in the summer). The chapels are closed on Christmas and some other holidays.
The Basilica of San Lorenzo is closed on Sundays; and open 10 am until 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday.
The Laurentian Library is closed on Sunday; and open 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Saturday.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
Facilities: Onsite there is a cloak room, restrooms, and bookshop which rents audio-guides in multiple languages.
Accessibility: The Medici Chapels museum (New Sacristy, Prince’s Chapel, and Crypts) is accessible for the mobility impaired. The use of electric wheelchairs and scooters is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Note: Michelangelo’s Secret Room is not mobility accessible.
FLORENCE ITALY GUIDED TOURS
A visit to the Medici Chapels can come alive with the knowledge of a local tour guide. The museum also pairs well with another half-day attraction. Consider these guided tours:
FLORENCE ITALY HOTELS
The Medici Chapels are located in heart of Florence in the San Lorenzo neighborhood. The site is within walking distance of many of the top things to do in Florence Italy. Consider these in-town Florence Italy hotels for your stay:
Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio: Clean, affordable. Good location. Roof terrace and restaurant.
Hotel Pendini: Modern hotel in the romantic heart of Florence.
Hotel Calimala: Two restaurants and rooftop bar in historic neighborhood.
WHAT TO SEE AT THE MEDICI CHAPELS
New Sacristy
The New Sacristy (Sagrestia Nuova) is an incredible work of architecture and art commissioned by Pope Leo X (a member of the Medici family), and designed by Michelangelo. The family mausoleum is considered a Renaissance masterpiece due to Michelangelo’s ingenious use of light, space, and sculpture techniques.
Completed between 1520 and 1534, the New Sacristy contains two Medici tombs as well as several sculptures. These include Michelangelo’s “Dawn” and “Dusk” nudes on the tomb of Duke Lorenzo (western wall); and the "Day" and "Night" statues on the sarcophagus of Duke Giuliano (eastern wall). The “Night” figure is considered to be one of Michelangelo’s greatest achievements. There is also a sculpture of the Madonna and Child flanked by Saints Cosmas and Damian (patron saints of the Medici’s).
Michelangelo’s “Secret Room”
In 1976, a long-hidden corridor was discovered under the New Sacristy. The fifty-six drawings found in the room were attributed to Michelanglo. It is thought that the sketches hark back to 1530, when the Medici’s were being persecuted and Micheangelo was forced underground.
With purchase of a “Secret Room” ticket, visitors can view the 10 meter x 13 meter room (for a maximum of 15 minutes). Tickets are highly sought after and sell out quick.
DAY TRIPS FROM FLORENCE TO TUSCANY & AFAR
The Chapel of the Princes
The octagonal Chapel of the Princes (Cappella dei Principi) stands 59 meters high above Florence’s San Lorenzo neighborhood. The second of the Medici Chapels was completed between 1604 and 1640. The mausoleum was constructed under the direction of architect, Matteo Nigetti, using the ideas and designs of Giovanni de Medici.
The mausoleum is significant for its lavish use of marble and elaborate semi-precious stone ornamentation. Intended to celebrate the power and influence of the Medici dynasty, the mausoleum is filled with opulent sarcophagi and bronze statues. The dome’s striking frescoes (not completed until 1828) contain scenes of the Old and New Testaments.
Medici Crypts
Beneath the Chapel of the Princes lies a Medici crypt where other members of the Medici family are buried. The unadorned tombs are starkly simple compared to the Prince’s Chapel and New Sacristy.
Basilica of San Lorenzo
Renowned Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi designed the light -filled interior of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The church’s marble columns and floor are decorated with intricate details and side chapels. At the end of the nave stands a pair of bronze pulpits created by Donatello. The alter is decorated with priceless Renaissance paintings.
The church was consecrated in 393. However, most of the basilica’s masterpieces are linked to the patronage of the Medici family between the 1400 and 1700s.
Old Sacristy
The Old Sacristy is the older of the Basilica of San Lorenzo’s two sacristies. It sits opposite (on the left side) of Michelangelo’s New Sacristy. The Old Sacristy, or Agrestia Vecchia di San Lorenzo, was completed by the Renaissance architect Brunelleschi between 1420-1428.
Treasury
In the Treasury exhibits, see religious artifacts, vestments, and jewelry worn by Popes Clement VII and Leo X, and other members of the family.
Laurentian Library
The Laurentian Library (Biblioteca Laurenziana) was built on the site of a 13th century monastery. Designed by Michelangelo, the building was renovated in the 1500s as a space to house Medici family documents and books including those of Pope Clement VII.
We hope you enjoy the Renaissance splendor of the Medici Chapels Florence, Laura and Randy
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