Pazzi Chapel, Renaissance chapel in Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
The Pazzi Chapel is a Renaissance chapel within the Santa Croce complex in Florence, Italy, built from limestone and marble. It connects rectangular side walls with a central dome resting on geometrically arranged vault ribs that structure the interior space.
Work began in 1429 under the direction of Filippo Brunelleschi as a chapter house for monastic meetings. After interruptions, construction was completed in the 1460s and then served its original purpose within the monastery complex.
The name honors the Pazzi family, who financed the project and made their position in the city visible through this commission. Visitors today experience the effect of coordinated shapes and colors that together create a space appearing clear and orderly.
Access is through the cloister of the Santa Croce complex and follows the general opening hours of the basilica. The proportions and details are best viewed in natural daylight that falls through the windows into the space.
Frescoes in the dome show the star constellation above Florence on July 4, 1442, capturing a real astronomical moment. This depiction makes it possible to retrace the night sky of the city on that specific day.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
