Medici Chapels, Museum chapel in Florence, Italy
The Medici Chapels are located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo and house the New Sacristy featuring marble sculptures of Lorenzo and Giuliano de' Medici crafted by Michelangelo during the Renaissance. The adjoining Chapel of Princes serves as a mausoleum, linking the two spaces into a connected architectural complex dedicated to the memory of the ruling family.
The chapels were built starting in the 16th century to provide a dignified burial site for members of the Medici family, who ruled Florence from the 15th century onward. Construction extended over several generations and mirrors the shifting ambitions of the dynasty, which sought to secure its political power through religious and artistic investment.
The Chapel of Princes displays complex inlays of semiprecious stones, bronze statues and marble decorations that represent the refined craftsmanship of Italian masters. This elaborate design reflects the Medici desire to anchor their power and taste in a lasting architectural testimony.
The rooms open daily in the morning and close in the early afternoon, making a visit easy to fit into a city tour. Wheelchair access is secured through ramps and elevators, and staff provide help with navigation between different levels when needed.
In 1976 workers discovered 56 hidden drawings between the apse and sacristies, showing sketches of human features possibly linked to the work of Michelangelo. These designs were applied with charcoal directly onto the walls and remained concealed in darkness for centuries until renovation work brought them to light.
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