Basilica di San Lorenzo
A Renaissance masterpiece and the Medici family's final resting place, featuring Michelangelo's architectural genius.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Basilica di San Lorenzo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Renaissance masterpiece and the Medici family's final resting place, featuring Michelangelo's architectural genius.
"The Medici Chapels are one of the most stunning rooms I have ever been in."
🎯 Medici Chapels are a must!
Don't miss the Prince's Chapel; it's one of the most stunning rooms you'll ever see.
🤫 Seek out Michelangelo's Secret Room
This hidden gem offers a unique art history experience, often missed by casual visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medici Chapels
Adjacent to the Basilica
A breathtaking testament to Medici power, featuring stunning marble work and Michelangelo's New Sacristy.

Michelangelo's Laurentian Library
Accessed via the Basilica
Marvel at the innovative architecture and iconic staircase designed by Michelangelo.

Michelangelo's Secret Room
Beneath the New Sacristy
A rare glimpse into Michelangelo's private sketches, hidden for centuries.
Planning Your Visit
Skip the Crowds, See the Secrets
Beyond the Facade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Medici Chapels are a must!
Don't miss the Prince's Chapel; it's one of the most stunning rooms you'll ever see.
🤫 Seek out Michelangelo's Secret Room
This hidden gem offers a unique art history experience, often missed by casual visitors.
🚶♀️ Explore the surrounding piazza
The lively square outside offers market stalls and cafes, perfect for soaking in local life.
🏛️ Admire the Roman ruins
Discover the ancient history beneath the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore in Milan.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Medici Chapels are a must!
Don't miss the Prince's Chapel; it's one of the most stunning rooms you'll ever see.
🤫 Seek out Michelangelo's Secret Room
This hidden gem offers a unique art history experience, often missed by casual visitors.
🚶♀️ Explore the surrounding piazza
The lively square outside offers market stalls and cafes, perfect for soaking in local life.
🏛️ Admire the Roman ruins
Discover the ancient history beneath the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore in Milan.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the stunning artistry within the Medici Chapels and the architectural genius of Michelangelo's library. However, some find the main basilica itself less impressive than expected for the entrance fee, and the unfinished facade can be a point of contention. The surrounding piazza offers a lively atmosphere, making it a worthwhile visit even if not going inside.
"Pretty disappointing I thought. For 9 euros I was expecting something pretty spectacular but it is nothing exceptional. I thought the courtyard was the best part. The basement isn't a crypt but a museum of altar pieces and robes. There is a toilet in the bookstore (off the courtyard) that costs 1 euro but it only takes 1 and 2 euro coins. Just duck under the turnstile to get in.
Trivia - The front of the building looks odd since it is the back wall to a marble facade that was never added."
Mark Pabst
"📍 Basilica di San Lorenzo – Florence, Italy 🇮🇹
We didn’t go inside, but the square outside is lively and full of atmosphere 🚶♂️🚶♀️. People stroll through, browse the market stalls 🛍️, and enjoy cafés ☕ around the basilica. The unfinished façade looks plain compared to other Florentine churches, but it’s still an interesting landmark to see while walking the area. A vibrant spot for soaking in local life, even without entering. 🙌"
Quing_刘妈妈
"A very beautiful basilica, both the main building and the crypt which hosts a small museum of sorts. Some stunning murals and sculptures. Not too crowded."
Quentin Muron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Basilica di San Lorenzo is centrally located in Florence, near the central market. It's easily accessible by foot from most major tourist areas. You can also take local buses that stop nearby.
Parking in Florence can be challenging. It's best to use public transport or a taxi. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity, though they can be expensive.
Yes, Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore is a significant historical site in Milan, known for its Roman ruins beneath. It's accessible via public transport in Milan.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Perugia is a short distance from Assisi and can be reached by car or local bus services.
Absolutely! It's situated in the heart of Florence, making it very walkable from other key attractions like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are generally required to enter the main basilica and the Medici Chapels. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your entry and preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary, but typically the basilica and Medici Chapels are open from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Admission fees apply for the main church and the Medici Chapels. Prices can vary, and combo tickets might be available. Check the official website for current pricing.
Access to Michelangelo's Secret Room is often limited and requires a separate booking or a guided tour. Inquire about availability when purchasing your tickets.
As it is a place of worship, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find Renaissance art and architecture, including works by Brunelleschi and Donatello. The Medici Chapels are a highlight, featuring Michelangelo's designs and stunning marble tombs.
The crypt, often referred to as a museum, houses altar pieces and robes and offers a glimpse into the church's history. Some visitors find it interesting, while others consider it less essential than the main chapels.
To fully appreciate the basilica, Medici Chapels, and potentially the secret room, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you're only seeing the main church, 1-1.5 hours might suffice.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended to understand the rich history and artistic significance of the basilica and its chapels.
The ruins beneath Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore in Milan are remnants of Roman structures, offering a fascinating look at the city's ancient past.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. Generally, photos are allowed in the main basilica, but flash photography is often prohibited. The Medici Chapels may have stricter policies, so check signage or ask staff.
The exterior piazza offers great views of the unfinished facade. Inside, the Medici Chapels, especially Michelangelo's New Sacristy, are highly photogenic.
Yes, the unfinished facade is a unique architectural feature. You can capture it well from the piazza, especially during golden hour.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around historical landmarks. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for exterior shots of the piazza and facade. For interiors, be mindful of lighting conditions and any flash restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in a more interactive experience, exploring the central market adjacent to the basilica can be a hit. It's a great place to sample local foods and soak in the vibrant Florentine culture. If you're visiting the Milanese Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, the visible Roman ruins might spark curiosity in older children about history.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're looking for more budget-friendly options, consider prioritizing which parts of the complex you want to see. Perhaps focus on the main basilica or just the Medici Chapels if a full ticket is too much. Also, the central market nearby is a fantastic place for affordable and delicious local food, saving you money on dining.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
Pay attention to the contributions of Filippo Brunelleschi and Donatello in the Old Sacristy. The history of the Medici family is woven into every stone, offering a deep dive into Florentine power and patronage. For those in Milan, the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore offers a glimpse into early Christian and Roman history with its underlying ruins.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Medici Legacy
Within the complex, the Medici Chapels are a particularly significant part of this legacy. The New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and sculpture, housing the tombs of Lorenzo de' Medici and his brother Giuliano. The adjacent Chapel of the Princes is an opulent mausoleum, showcasing immense wealth and artistic collaboration. Exploring these spaces offers a profound insight into the Medici's influence on Florence and the Renaissance.
Beyond the chapels, the basilica itself contains significant artworks and architectural elements. The Old Sacristy, also by Brunelleschi, features sculptures by Donatello. The Laurentian Library, another of Michelangelo's architectural triumphs, is renowned for its innovative design and grand staircase. These elements collectively make San Lorenzo a crucial site for understanding Renaissance art, architecture, and the history of one of Italy's most influential families.
Architectural Marvels by Brunelleschi and Michelangelo
Michelangelo also left an indelible mark on the San Lorenzo complex. He designed the Laurentian Library, a space celebrated for its dramatic and forward-thinking design, particularly its famous staircase that seems to flow like a river. Furthermore, he was responsible for the New Sacristy, a more intimate yet equally powerful architectural space that serves as a prelude to the sculptural works within. His contributions showcase his versatility as both an architect and a sculptor.
The interplay between Brunelleschi's foundational design and Michelangelo's later additions creates a rich architectural narrative within the Basilica di San Lorenzo. Visitors can trace the evolution of Renaissance architectural thought through these distinct yet complementary styles, making it a vital destination for architecture enthusiasts.
Discovering Hidden Gems: Michelangelo's Secret Room
Inside this clandestine space, visitors can find a remarkable collection of drawings and sketches attributed to Michelangelo. These works offer an intimate glimpse into the artist's creative process, showcasing his preliminary ideas for sculptures and architectural projects. The room itself is modest, but the art it contains is extraordinary, providing a rare and personal connection to one of history's greatest masters.
Access to Michelangelo's Secret Room is often restricted and requires advance booking, as it's a delicate environment preserved for a limited number of visitors. This exclusivity adds to its allure, making it a sought-after experience for those seeking to delve deeper into the artistic heritage of Florence.
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