The Medici family's "private chapel"

📍 Basilica di San Lorenzo 💎 The Medici Family's "Family Chapel" This isn't the tourist-packed Florence Cathedral! Instead, it's the private chapel of the Renaissance's wealthiest family—the Medicis. From the elder Cosimo to Lorenzo the Magnificent, the family's bigwigs are all buried here. It's like the "Game of Thrones" version of a family tomb! ✨ Must-See Highlights: ✅ Old Sacristy : Brunelleschi's architectural debut! The geometric space is breathtakingly beautiful, and Donatello's relief wall is considered a pioneering work of the Renaissance. ✅ New Sacristy : Designed by Michelangelo himself! The four sculptures—Day , Night , Dawn , and Dusk —are all on display, with incredibly detailed muscle lines. ✅ Medici Chapel : A 360° gilded dome and gemstone inlays, with the family crest shining brightly. It's a true display of opulence. 💡 Smart Tips: ⏳ Recommended Duration: 2 hours (30 minutes each for the Old and New Sacristies) 🚶 Route: Old Sacristy → Main Church → New Sacristy → Crypt 🍝 Perfect Lunch Plan: Don't leave after visiting the church! Right outside the main entrance is a great spot for lunch—Trattoria San Lorenzo .✨ 🙈 Fun Facts: ▪️ The church's exterior was intentionally left unfinished! Michelangelo originally planned to cover it in marble, but the Medici family... ran out of money (even the wealthiest can't keep up with an artist's expensive ideas). ▪️ The crypt houses the Medici family's remains. It's eerie but incredibly atmospheric! 💡 Practical Tips: 🎫 Admission: €9 for the Medici Chapel (the main church is free, but the highlights are in the paid areas). ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:15-17:00 (closed early on Thursdays!). 🚶‍♀️ Skip the Line: Buy a Firenze Card or book online. 🍽 Restaurant: Arrive at Trattoria San Lorenzo before 12:30 to avoid the Italian lunch rush. #Florence #FlorenceTravel #MediciCollection #Church #Architecture #ArtAndArchitecture #HistoricalBuildings