Church of San Lorenzo
Church of San Lorenzo may be the largest and oldest church in Florence. This basilica was the parish church of the powerful Medici family.
The Medici family had the very best sculptors, architects and painters at their disposal to create some beautiful work. It boasts a fortune of illustrious bronze pulpits, amazing frescos and charming chapels.
The unfinished exterior facade designed by Michelangelo is entirely misleading. It’s not the most ornate but stunning nonetheless. However the beauty inside both architecturally and artistically is absolutely breath taking. The interior is glorious with gray and white marble and gold-coffered ceilings.
The most important architecture of that period, Filippo Brunelleschi was hired to redesign the Church of San Lorenzo.
The divine presence will surround you with the exquisite works of their favorite artists, Donatello and Michelangelo. It will intrigue and amaze you. However the highlight of the church interior is the Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi, it is stunning. The Laurentian Library by Michelangelo is unique as is his designs for the Medici tombs. The New Sacristy is magnificent it’s based on Michelangelo’s designs and Medici Chapels.
Church of San Lorenzo contains Michelangelo’s tombs of many prominent members of the Medici family. You will also find Donatello’s tomb here. The entrance is at the far side of the cloister garden.
And Donatello’s last works are here. Two wonderful bronze pulpits with scenes from the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Donatello’s expressive stretch never fails to surprise me. There are a couple of major Mannerist paintings in the church as well. A huge impressive fresco by Bronzino can be found in here also.
The incredibly detailed and opulent Cappella dei Principi containing marbles of every imaginable color and variety is not to be missed. It is a sharp contrast to the Medici tombs, both glamorous in their own different ways.
The Medici Chapels are at the back of the church. It is considered a separate attraction and requires a separate admission fees.
A must visit in Florence. Definitely get the audio tour (tablet) for only two euros. It is very informative and interesting.
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Phone number: +39 055 216634
Address: Piazza San Lorenzo, 9, Florence, Italy
Daily 7:00am to 6:30pm
Tours of the Basilica: Monday through Friday 10:00am to 5pm
Holidays 1:30pm to 5:pm
