Are the Basilica of San Lorenzo and Medici Chapels the same museum?

No, they are two separate institutions with distinct entrances and tickets even though they are part of the same building complex. You enter the Basilica from Piazza San Lorenzo to see the church and crypt, while the entrance to the Medici Chapels is located around the back on Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini.

Is there a dress code for visiting the Medici Chapels?

Yes, you must cover your shoulders and knees to enter both the Basilica and the Medici Chapels as they are active religious sites. Guards strictly enforce this rule, so carrying a light scarf or shawl in your bag is a lifesaver during the hot summer months in 2026.

How much does it cost to visit the Medici Chapels?

A standard adult ticket for the Medici Chapels currently costs around €10, while the separate ticket for the Basilica is approximately €9. Prices may vary slightly if there is a temporary exhibition running, so checking the official availability before you go is always a smart move.

Why is the front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo unfinished?

The façade remains rough brick because the marble design created by Michelangelo was never realized due to a lack of funds and political complications. It stands today exactly as it was left in the Renaissance, serving as a raw contrast to the perfectly harmonious architecture you find inside.

Do I need to book tickets for the Medici Chapels in advance?

Booking in advance is highly recommended especially during the high season in 2026 to avoid standing in long lines. While it is possible to buy tickets at the door, the New Sacristy has a limited capacity, and securing a time slot online guarantees your entry without the wait.

Where can I find Michelangelo's statues in San Lorenzo?

You will find Michelangelo's famous statues of Day, Night, Dawn, and Dusk inside the New Sacristy which is part of the Medici Chapels museum. Remember that you cannot access this specific room with the standard Basilica ticket; you must purchase the Medici Chapels ticket.

Is Donatello buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo?

Yes, Donatello is buried in the crypt of the Basilica, resting right next to his lifelong patron and friend Cosimo de' Medici. To pay your respects, you need to enter through the main church entrance and head downstairs to the treasury area.

How long does a visit to the San Lorenzo complex take?

You should allocate at least 90 minutes to properly explore both the Basilica and the Medici Chapels. Since they function as separate museums, you need to factor in the time to exit one building, walk around to the other entrance, and go through security again.

Basilica of San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels: Tickets, Tips 2026

You are standing in Piazza San Lorenzo looking at a rough brick wall that seems like a construction site abandoned halfway through. Do not let this "unfinished" façade fool you. This is the Basilica of San Lorenzo the parish church of the Medici family and the resting place of the Renaissance masters. The contrast between this raw exterior and the harmonious perfection inside is exactly what makes Florence so captivating in 2026.

The unfinished rough brick facade of Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence facing the piazza

The raw, unfinished façade of San Lorenzo belies the Renaissance perfection waiting inside.

Most visitors make a crucial mistake here. They assume one ticket covers everything or line up at the wrong door. We are here to make sure you walk straight in and find the hidden treasures like Donatello's tomb without getting lost in the crowd.

Understanding the Complex: Two Museums Two Tickets

Before you rush to the entrance you need to know that this complex is split into two separate museums with different entrances tickets and opening hours. This is where most confusion happens.

The Basilica: The entrance is on the side of the church from the main square. This ticket gets you into the church the Old Sacristy and the crypt where Donatello is buried.
The Medici Chapels: The entrance is completely different located around the back of the building on Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini. This ticket grants access to the Chapel of the Princes and Michelangelo's New Sacristy.

If you want to see both you need to plan for two separate visits. We recommend starting with the Medici Chapels early in the morning to beat the crowds and then visiting the Basilica in the afternoon when the light hits the nave beautifully.

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The Basilica di San Lorenzo: Renaissance Perfection

Stepping inside feels like taking a deep breath of fresh air. Filippo Brunelleschi designed this space with such mathematical precision that the chaos of the market outside instantly fades away. The grey pietra serena stone against the white plaster walls creates a rhythm that guides your eyes straight to the altar.

Donatello’s Pulpits and The Crypt

Walk towards the bronze pulpits near the altar. These are the last works of Donatello completed after he was 70 years old. The emotional intensity in the scenes of the Passion is striking compared to the calm architecture around them.

But the real connection to the artist lies downstairs. Head down to the crypt. Unlike the grand tombs you see in other churches Donatello rests under a simple slab. He wanted to be buried close to his patron Cosimo de' Medici who lies in the massive pillar right next to him. Seeing these two friends resting side by side centuries later is a moving experience.

The Old Sacristy (Sagrestia Vecchia)

Do not leave the Basilica without entering the Old Sacristy located off the left transept. This is the first completed structure of the Renaissance. Look up at the dome. You see a scientifically accurate depiction of the night sky over Florence on July 4 1442. It is a rare mix of science art and faith that defines this city.

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If you enjoy diving deep into the history of Florence's prominent figures a visit to the nearby Dante House Museum complements this experience perfectly offering a glimpse into the medieval era that paved the way for the Renaissance.

The Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee)

Walk around the block to the back entrance for the Medici Chapels. This part of the complex is all about power legacy and Michelangelo's genius.

Chapel of the Princes (Cappella dei Principi)

You walk into a room that was built to overwhelm. The Chapel of the Princes is a massive octagonal mausoleum covered from floor to ceiling in semi-precious stones and colored marble. It took centuries to complete this room because cutting these hard stones required technology that did not exist when they started. The grandeur here screams of the Medici's ambition to be treated like royalty.

The opulent interior of the Chapel of the Princes lined with rare colored marble and semi-precious stones

The Chapel of the Princes was designed to overwhelm visitors with the sheer wealth and power of the Medici dynasty.

The New Sacristy (Sagrestia Nuova)

This is the main reason you are here. Michelangelo designed everything in this room from the architecture to the sculptures. The atmosphere changes instantly from the opulent Chapel of the Princes to a somber reflective white space.

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Here you find the famous statues of Day and Night and Dawn and Dusk sitting atop the tombs of the Medici dukes. Notice how the statue of Day remains unfinished with the face still trapped in the stone. It is a powerful reminder of Michelangelo's struggle with time and perfection.

Michelangelo's marble sculptures of Day and Night resting on the tomb of Giuliano de' Medici

Michelangelo's allegorical figures of Day and Night guard the tombs of the Medici dukes.

The Laurenziana Library (Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana)

Access to the library is through the cloister of the Basilica but there is a catch. It is often only open when there is a specific exhibition. If you catch it open you are in luck because the vestibule features Michelangelo's famous staircase which flows down like lava. It is considered one of the first examples of Mannerist architecture breaking all the rules of classical proportions.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Tickets: Entry to the Basilica costs around €9 while the Medici Chapels are about €10. Prices can change slightly if there is a special exhibition so always check beforehand.
Dress Code: This is an active place of worship. Guards are strict about the dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered. We suggest carrying a light scarf in your bag just in case.
Photography: You can take photos inside the Basilica and Chapels but flash and tripods are strictly forbidden. The guards will intervene if they see a flash go off.
Accessibility: There are ramps for the Basilica but accessing the crypt involves stairs. The Medici Chapels have an elevator but it is always good to ask the staff at the entrance for assistance if needed.
Time: Allow yourself at least 90 minutes if you plan to visit both the Basilica and the Chapels properly.

Florence rewards the curious. By understanding the layout and the history before you arrive you transform a confusing visit into a memorable journey through the rise of the Medici and the brilliance of their artists.

Basilica of San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels: The Unfinished Masterpiece

Understanding the Complex: Two Museums Two Tickets