Medici Chapel Overview
Why Visit the Medici Chapels?
What To See In The Museum Of The Medici Chapels?
The graves and remains of the grand dukes are kept in the crypt. They are surrounded by vaults with pietra serena pilasters providing support. You'll initially come across glass cases housing a portion of the Treasure of San Lorenzo. They are home to incredibly priceless reliquaries that the Medici Grand Dukes between the 15th and 18th centuries ordered. They are crafted from silver, rock crystal, and gold. A papal headgear adorned with pearls, a processional banner bearing the Medici coat of arms, and a pastoral staff are presents that Pope Leo X gave to the Medici. As you approach the crypt, there is a sizable and exquisite bronze sculpture of Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici. She was the final member of the Medici family, and she left the entire Medici art collection to the state.
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The primary mausoleum for the Medici Family is the Chapel of the Princes. It is a blatantly extravagant and enormous room that is somewhat larger than the basilica itself. Cosimo I possessed complete authority. He desired for his chapel to be a representation of the power, wealth, and splendor of the Medici family. The chapel was created by Matteo Nigetti with Giovanni de' Medici's help after he won a competition (also an architect). Semi-precious stones and polychrome marble adorn the chapel's walls. They are to be both priceless and everlasting, proving the Medici dynasty's immortality.
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The Medici Chapels' (Cappelle Medicee) New Sacristy, the most exquisite Renaissance building, is the final destination on a tour of the Medici Chapels. Michelangelo created and embellished the chapel almost fully. He was supposed to paint frescos as well, but before he could, he left for Rome. Michelangelo defied conventions of proportion and traditional architectural tradition when creating the New Sacristy. He created a Mannerist setting with unconventional arrangements that disregarded classical forms. It's possible to classify the chapel as "sculpted architecture." It resembles a dramatic theater and is designed to highlight the significance of the sculptural ensembles.The Pantheon in Rome served as the inspiration for the cupola. Terracotta shingles wrap the arched dome.A temple-shaped lantern with a gold ball and cross is placed on it. The lighting in the chapel was a key concern for Michelangelo. At the times of day they symbolized, the windows shine light on the tomb sculptures.
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Plan Your Visit to Medici Chapel
- Address: Medici Chapels is located at piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, Italy
- Opening hours: Medici Chapels opens at 8:30 am – 1:30 pm everyday.
- Closed: Medici Chapels remain closed on the 2nd and 4th Sunday and 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of each month, New Year’s Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.
- Dress code: You can wear any outfit you like since Medici Chapels is not as strict as the church, casual summer outfits are accepted, but bathing suits and excessively revealing outfits are not allowed.
- How to Reach: Medici Chapel is accessible by bus, train, or light rail. Following are the routes and lines that have close stops: Bus: 20, 301 A, 6A, C2- Train: R- Light Rail: T1, T2
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Visit the San Lorenzo Basilica complex's Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) in the spring or fall to avoid the crowds of summer visitors. If you plan to visit on a Monday or Sunday, be aware that the chapels are closed every month on the first, third, and fifth Mondays and the second and fourth Sundays.
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- The two chapels, Medici and Lorenese crypts, and Basilica Treasury are accessible with the purchase of Medici Chapel tickets at the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
- You must wear attire that covers your shoulders and knees in order to attend the church.
- You must leave your large bag and backpack at the free coat check station at the entrance.
- Both the chapels above and the crypts on the first floor are wheelchair accessible.
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- Since there will be a lot of walking, wear comfortable shoes.
- Visitors are asked to speak quietly and dress appropriately for the formal environment of the museums. According to museum guidelines, revealing apparel and bathing suits are not allowed.
- Selfie sticks, flash photography, and professional photography gear are all prohibited.
- Mobile devices must be put in silent mode or turned off.
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FAQs of Medici Chapel
Why is Medici Chapel famous?
The Medici Chapel in Florence (Cappelle Medicee) is a museum famous for featuring the Sagrestia Nuova mausoleum by Michelangelo.
How long does it take to tour the Medici Chapel?
It takes almost an hour to visit the Cappelle Medicee and explore the whole church and learn about its history.
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Are Medici Chapels tickets available online?
Yes you can book tickets to Medici Chapels online on the institute's official website or on our website.
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Should I book Medici Chapels tickets in advance?
You should book the Medici Chapels tickets in advance to avoid last minute rush and queues at the ticket counter. You can book the tickets online on the institution's official website or on our website.
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