Basilica di San Lorenzo

Beautiful Renaissance architecture and history

We could not wait to visit this beautiful and significant church because we knew the connection between Michelangelo Buonarroti and the Medici family. The Medici were responsible for Michelangelo’s early education, some of his major commissions in Florence, and ultimately, his exile from the city as an elderly man. Michelangelo is one of the most important and versatile artists of all time. He was an ingenious Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect and poet. He spent one part of his life in this church. San Lorenzo was the first Florentine church built in a new, Renaissance style - a model for later construction, built by then young architect Filippo Brunelleschi (Old Sacristy and Basilica Remodeling). Later Upgrades - The New Sacristy and Medici-Laurenziana Library were designed by the ingenious Michelangelo project. Brunelleschi began reconstruction from the transept of the old church, replaced the old Romanesque apse, this new space was to become the burial place for the member of the Medici family - later called the Old Sacristy (The Old Sacristy was commissioned by Giovanni de' Bicci di Medici—the founder of the Medici bank and, hence, the family's subsequent fortunes—and he is buried here along with his grandsons, Giovanni and Piero de' Medici (son of the great civic leader Cosimo Il Vecchio and father of Lorenzo "the Magnificent"), in a tomb by Verrocchio). But remodeling was realized later due to wars and lack of money. After seventeen years under the patronage of Cosimo de 'Medici and the death of Brunelleschi, the construction of the church was completed by Antonio Manetti in 1448. The curiosity of the Basilica of San Lorenzo is the unfinished main facade, for which there were many designs (among other things, the project was made by Michelangelo who even procured the necessary stone for construction), but never enough money - so that it remained unfinished. Inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo are many valuable works of art, among others: Two Donatello's pulpits, which stand on Ionic columns with reliefs of scenes from Christ's life. The Desideria da Settignana Tabernacle of 1461 is a sculptural work that stands by its quality with Donatello's pulpits. The altarpiece by Filippo Lippi Proclamation from 1437. Mary's wedding, painting by the mannerist painter Rosso Fiorentino from 1523. Cardinal Giulio di Giuliano de 'Medici commissioned a project from Michelangelo in 1520 for the construction of the New Sacristy (architectural appearance and sculptures). Michelangelo in the floor plan - basically followed the concept of Brunelleschi's Old Sacristy, but he also installed a mezzanine floor under the cassette dome, thus obtaining a much higher room. He harmoniously divided the whole space into dark and light parts. An interesting detail from his relationship with the Medici family occurred in 1527 when the Florentines expelled the ruling Medici family and established a republican government. Michelangelo supported the new regime and turned against Pope Clement VII (of the Medici family), for whom he worked at the time. But after a 10-month siege, the Pontifical State recaptured Florence. Michelangelo had been hiding from the Medici at San Lonenzo Church for months, in a room that had a perfect view of the Medici Palace. So he had them under control without them being aware of it. Michelangelo escaped, and he went to Rome and never returned to Florence, although the Medici called for him to return.

Easily missed on your way to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to see the big dome (Duomo), but don't skip past. The church and the nearby area is worth visiting.

Beautiful old church and not too crowded!

Amazing cultural heritage. Definitely a must

WORTH IT'S MONEY (7€)! You will receive an audio guide, for the basilisk and the basement/crypt with an exhibition. FACT: Larger than you think, the facade is the same as the original facade of the duomo (which is not the black and white striped marmer)

Such a beautiful basilica! So much history and beautiful paintings within. Definitely worth the visit. I suggest the skip the line tickets to save time and be able to see the rest of Venice.

I loved my visit to San Lorenzo Church. It is older than the main Duomo so it was nice to see what preceded the construction of the Duomo. The visit took me 1 hour because I was listening to an audio guide i found online on youtube that some history behind the church and different elements in the interior.