About Basilica Di San Lorenzo in Florence

Medici Chapels

Medici chapels house the tombs of most of the Medici family. They can be accessed through Piazza Madonna Degli Aldobrandini. A staircase leads to Cappella dei Principi. Under a huge dome built by Buontalenti, there are burials of six grand dukes. It is reminiscent of the famous dome of Brunelleschi of Florence Cathedral.

The decoration of the beautiful interiors started in the year 1604 but many centuries were required for the completion of the work and the final marble decoration completed in 1962. Sixteen coats of arms represent major cities in Tuscany. Two niches have statues of the two grand dukes Ferdinando I and Cosimo II.

The Design and Sculptures

Brunelleschi is the one who designed the monument. The bronze pulpits are the last work of Donatello. It depicts resurrection and scenes from Christ’s life. Savonarola used to preach the hellfire and brimstone sermons from these pulpits. Basilica di San Lorenzo also has fresco that depicts St Lawrence’s martyrdom and is created by Bronzino. Inside the old sacristy designed by Brunelleschi which is geometrically precise, eight tondi or circular reliefs are created by Donatello. This tondi represent evangelists and scenes from St. John’s life. The beauty of the architecture and various sculptures in Basilica di San Lorenzo excites the visitors with the beauty they offer.

Biblioteca Laurenziana

Biblioteca Laurenziana is a beautiful example of Mannerist architecture done by Michelangelo. This is a library that is constructed with such a grace that visiting it gives architectural enthusiast a great deal of information. There is a curvaceous staircase that approaches Pietra Serena and the library has reader’s desks which are designed by the great artist Michelangelo. The floors and ceilings of this beautiful building are the designs of Tribology. Biblioteca Laurenziana usually gets open to public only when there are special exhibits and events.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo ticket includes the ones for visiting the old sacristy, treasure museum and a visit to the church. The ticket even covers multimedia guide which is offered in different languages for the whole complex.