Cappelle Medicee
Cappelle Medicee
The burial place of the Medici family, the Cappelle Medicee (Medici Chapels) are today a national monument and museum. It features the “Sagrestia Nuova”, whose architecture and sculptures are by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the “Cappella dei Principi”, a monumental grand ducal mausoleum, and the crypts below.
The Museum of the Cappelle Medicee consists of the funeral chapels of the Medici family at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence, declared national monument and transformed into a state museum in 1869 for their fundamental artistic and historical meaning, as recognized by the then-recently-united Italy.
The visit starts from the Medici Crypt, where the Grand Dukes and their families are buried, from Cosimo I to Gian Gastone, after whom the dynasty came to an end in 1737. On the upper floor stands the Cappella dei Principi, the mausoleum of the Medici Grand Dukes, dazzling with multi-coloured marbles and hardstones, crafted by the highly-specialized grand-ducal workshop; started in the Baroque period, the chapel was completed with the frescoed dome by Pietro Benvenuti (1828-37) under the Habsburg-Lorraine family, who took over from the Medici on the throne of Tuscany, and whose tombs are in the Lorraine Crypt.
The Sagrestia Nuova, an absolute masterpiece of architecture and sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti (1519-1534), was commissioned by two Medici Popes, Leo X and Clement VII, in order to house the tombs of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Giuliano, and those of their heirs Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino and Giuliano, Duke of Nemours, whose death put an end to the Magnificent’s family branch. The funerary monuments of the two dukes are adorned with their ideal portraits and with the renowned allegorical sculptures of Night, Day, Twilight and Dawn, powerful nudes representing Michelangelo’s grandiose human ideal. On the tomb of Giuliano and Lorenzo the Magnificent are placed the Madonna and Child between Saints Cosmas and Damian, patrons of the Medici family.
In the tomb of the Duke of Urbino, his presumed natural son Alessandro, first Duke of Florence, was also buried. He was assassinated by his cousin Lorenzino.
Opening hours
Closing days
Tuesday
25 December 2024
Closed for Christmas holidays
Last entrance is 40 minutes before closing time.
Accessibility and Public Services
Accessibility
The museum is equipped with facilities for disabled access. The sidewalk is seamlessly connected to the street. Wheelchair accessibility on the ground floor is possible through a ramp. The use of scooters and electric wheelchairs is limited and assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safety of museum spaces and artworks.
To reach the Cappella dei Principi on the first floor, an elevator is available, and from there, access to the Sagrestia Nuova is provided through a platform lift. Restrooms and the bookshop are accessible along the exit route.
"Michelangelo's Secret Room"
Please note that visits are available by reservation only. For more information, please visit the Tickets section.
Each visit lasts 15 minutes, with a maximum of 4 people per time slot.
Access and exit are via a narrow staircase with 12 steps. Unfortunately, no elevator is available, and the room is not accessible to individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. Additionally, entrance to children under 10 years old and to unaccompanied minors is not allowed.
Please be advised that access is not recommended to individuals with heart conditions, claustrophobia, and to women in advanced stages of pregnancy.
Prior to entry, please deposit luggage, backpacks, large and medium-sized packages, umbrellas, and any other large items deemed unsuitable by our security staff on the upper floor.
Groups
Groups are allowed up to a maximum of 20 individuals, plus one guide.
Audioguides
Audioguides are available in Italian and English.
The cost is €6.00 for a single device, €10.00 for a double device.
Bookshop
It is located along the path towards the exit from the Museum.
Museum guides in different languages, art publications and objects inspired by the works on display are on sale.
Cloakroom
Access to the museum is allowed with small-sized bags or backpacks. Some key lockers are available, and the key is provided by the staff at the entrance in exchange for the deposit of your ID document.
Due to the limited number of lockers available, student groups cannot use them. Large-sized luggage, suitcases, and oversized backpacks are not allowed. Umbrellas must be carried with you during your visit.
Changing table
There is a changing table near the toilets