Cappelle Medicee
About Cappelle Medicee
Cappelle Medicee, the final resting place of the famous Medici family, which has been transformed into a museum that draws in various guests each year. Located inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo, this historic site comprises three essential rooms: the mausoleum behind the entrance lobby, the modern sacristy, and the Cappella dei Principi. In the unused, Michelangelo created amazing tombs for Giuliano and Lorenzo. They are very beautiful and special. Meanwhile, the Cappella dei Principi holds refined tombs, as the hall remains unfinished. Underneath the chapel, within the mausoleum outlined by Buontalenti, rests the remains of other Medici family members.
Despite the modest stone façade of San Lorenzo, the church holds gigantic historical significance. Serving as the area church for Florentine financiers, it houses the Medici chapels honoring the significant family that put Florence on the world map. Nowadays, the Basilica of San Lorenzo stands as a strong confirmation of the Medici legacy, welcoming guests to dig into the wealthy history typified inside its walls.
History of Cappelle Medicee
The Medici Chapel, also known as Cappelle Medicee, which is a significant historical site within the San Lorenzo complex in Florence, holds profound significance for the Medici family, well-known bankers who played an important role in elevating Florence’s importance on the global stage. The journey of building a proper family mausoleum began in 1520 under the direction of Michelangelo, commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de Medici, the future Pope Clemens VII. The vision was to create a lasting tribute for family members, including Lorenzo de Medici the Magnificent and his brother. With its iconic orange dome, San Lorenzo Church served as the parish church for Florentine bankers before transforming into the Medici Chapels, honoring the esteemed family.
The architectural marvel of the Medici Chapel, completed in 1524, reflects Brunelleschi’s designs with its white walls and pietra serena interior. It is divided into three distinct sections: the crypt, the Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes), and the New Sacristy. Once a humble resting place for minor family members, the crypt underwent restoration in the 19th century and now houses numerous tomb slabs. The grandeur of the Chapel of the Princes, featuring a monumental dome designed by Buontalenti, serves as the final resting place for six Medici Grand Dukes. The Medici Chapel stands as a testament to Florence’s rich history and the enduring legacy of the Medici family, inviting visitors to delve into its captivating narrative during their Florence city breaks.
Tips for your visit to Cappelle Medicee
- It’s essential to check the Medici Chapel’s opening hours and choose the right season for your visit. Be mindful of the chapel’s schedule, as it remains closed on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, along with the first, third, and fifth Mondays.
- Ensure a smooth entry by pre-purchasing two separate tickets—one for the Basilica and another for the Cappella di Medici. Tickets should be pre-paid, and arriving 15 minutes before your booked time is recommended.
- Leave sharp objects like knives, pens, or pencils at home. Don’t forget to bring a form of identification for entry.
- Cappelle Medicee boasts three main attractions: the crypt, the chapel of the princes, and the new sacristy. Remember, photography is prohibited in the San Lorenzo church or the Medici chapels.
- Allocate at least 1 to 2 hours to explore the wonders within Cappelle Medicee thoroughly.
Tickets for Cappelle Medicee
Tickets for the Medici Chapels in Florence, Italy, begin at €9, covering the entrance, pre-reservation, and online booking fees. Children up to 18 years enter for free, those between 18 and 25 pay €2, and adults pay €12 plus a €4 booking fee. Special rates for using a single device are €6, and for a double device, it’s €10. Connected to the Basilica di San Lorenzo, it’s important to note that a ticket won’t grant access to Cappelle Medicee. To enter this historic site, a separate ticket is required. You can find the entrance to Cappelle Medicee opposite the Basilica di San Lorenzo.
However, for a hassle-free exploration of the Medici Chapels, purchasing your Cappelle Medicee tickets in advance is wise. This ensures you can skip the lines and make the most of your visit. Keep in mind that tickets must be pre-paid. Arriving 15 minutes before your booked time at the dedicated door for reservation holders ensures a smooth check-in process. For convenient online booking, check out our website, which provides an easy way to secure your Medici chapel tickets in advance.
How to arrive to Cappelle Medicee
To fully absorb the beauty of Cappelle Medicee, allocate at least 1 to 2 hours for your exploration. It’s a captivating experience, so make sure you have ample time on your hands. However, no food, beverages, or animals are permitted within the premises. Navigating to Cappelle-Medicee is convenient with public transportation. Consider taking the Autolinee Toscane-Urbano Area Metropolitana Fiorentina bus lines C2 to C4, with the bus stop at Stazione Via Panzani just a short 2-minute walk from the venue.
Alternatively, you can opt for the bus from Cavour Palazzo Medici to Cappelle Medicee, departing every 30 minutes. Various other bus lines, including C1, 14, 23, 23N, 6, and 6A, also connect to Cappelle Medicee. This historical gem is well served by public transportation, making it easily accessible for a captivating journey into Florence’s rich history.
