On this guided tour of the Medici Chapels, you'll discover a mausoleum and a living testament to the grandeur of one of the most influential families in Italy. Join us!
Visit the Medici Chapels
We'll meet at the designated time in front of the stunning entrance of the Medici Chapels, located in the heart of Florence. Did you know these two chapels are an extension of the Basilica di San Lorenzo, commissioned by Brunelleschi?
This monumental complex isn't just a site for eternal rest—it's a prime example of the power, ambition, and grandeur of a family that marked the history of this city and the Renaissance era. Accompanied by a guide, you'll cross the chapel's doors to dive into the fascinating world of the Medici and uncover the secrets, legends, and mysteries that marked their dynasty.
Michelangelo's New Sacristy
One of the stops on this tour will be the Sagrestia Nouva or New Sacristy, a masterpiece designed by Miguel Ángel Buonarroti. Here, you'll discover how this genius from the Renaissance period brought to life a space that combines architecture and sculpture phenomenally. The tombs of Lorenzo and Giuliano de' Medici stand out, decorated with the famous sculptures of Aurora, Crepuscolo, Giorno, and Notte, which represent both Michelangelo's skillful technique and his ability to transmit emotions.
As you explore the New Sacristy, we'll tell you about the symbolism behind each figure. What did Michelangelo want to convey with these sculptures? What connection do they have with the life and legacy of the two Medici family members they honor? Plus, you'll learn how the tensions between Michelangelo and Duke Cosimo I de' Medici affected his work in this space.
The Chapel of the Princes: A Manifesto of Power & Opulence
You'll also discover the majestic Chapel of the Princes, one of the complex's most impressive rooms. Once you enter, you'll be amazed by its 193-foot (59-meter) tall dome, thanks to which you can see the Basilica di San Lorenzo from a distance.
This giant masterpiece symbolizes the desire of the Medici family to be remembered for eternity. The inside is truly a spectacle of wealth and technique. This chapel is coated with semiprecious stones such as jasper, lapis lazuli, and marble. Here, you'll discover which members of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany lay buried under this luxurious chapel and how this site was visual proof of its splendor.
Once the tour is over, 1.5 hours later, we'll leave the Medici Chapels with a deeper understanding of whom these patrons of the arts and political strategists were—figures who masterfully etched their legacy into these very walls. Until next time!
