Cappella dei Principi, Baroque chapel in Basilica of San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
The Cappella dei Principi is an octagonal chapel within the Basilica of San Lorenzo featuring a soaring dome with interior walls decorated in colored marble and semi-precious stones. The space contains several large sarcophagi and displays coats of arms from various Tuscan cities along its surfaces.
Grand Duke Ferdinand I commissioned construction in 1604 as a burial place for the Medici family, with work continuing across several decades. The long construction period reflects the family's wealth and their commitment to creating a grand memorial structure.
The chapel displays intricate stone inlay work that inspired the creation of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, a workshop still active today. This technique shaped how visitors experience the decorative art throughout the space.
The chapel is located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo and accessed from inside the church. Visitors should expect a calm setting with ornate details throughout and should allow time to examine the wall decorations closely.
The visible sarcophagi in the chapel are empty, while the actual remains of the Medici family rest in hidden chambers concealed within the walls. This unusual arrangement gives the space a layer of mystery beneath its grand appearance.
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