The Medici Chapels, adjacent to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, are one of the most fascinating monumental complexes of the Renaissance and Baroque.
Our tour allows you to discover both the religious function and the enormous artistic value linked to the powerful Medici family.
After visiting the crypt, climbing up to the great Chapel of the Princes, the real “monumental heart” of the complex where we can admire:
We then enter the New Sacristy of Michelangelo, the most famous part of the tour. Designed and partly carved by Michelangelo houses the tombs of Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino and Giuliano, Duke of Nemours.
Among the various statues here we can admire the Day and the Night, allegorical figures representing time and the caducity of life.
Do you know that after their construction Michelangelo was forced to flee from Florence?
In these years the famous artist lived moments of political tension, Florence rebelled against the Medici who were expelled, Michelangelo sided with the Republic, but when the Medici returned to power they sent a hitman to kill him.
According to tradition, the artist hid for months in the basement of San Lorenzo, leaving graffiti on the walls still visible, (not included in the tour) before being forgiven and continue the work.
But soon after he had to flee from Florence, leaving the project unfinished.