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Museum · Florença, Toscana
Cappelle Medicee
Mausoleum of the Medici family behind San Lorenzo, with the Cappella dei Principi veneered in hardstones and the Sagrestia Nuova, containing sculptures by Michelangelo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cappelle Medicee
The Cappelle Medicee are two chapels built between the 16th and 17th centuries as an extension of the Basilica di San Lorenzo to celebrate and bury the Medici family. Today they form a state museum, with the entrance on the Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini.
The Cappella dei Principi, the Chapel of the Princes, is a large octagonal chamber topped by a dome, with walls faced in marbles and hardstones in inlay work—a Florentine technique called commesso. It contains the tombs of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.
The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo, who also carved the statues. On the tombs of Lorenzo and Giuliano de' Medici are the figures of Day and Night and Dawn and Dusk, as well as a Madonna with Child.
The museum usually closes on Mondays. The visit is short, but the Sagrestia Nuova is one of Michelangelo's most important works in Florence.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon. It usually has a shorter line than the Accademia. Check the museum's closed day.
How to get there
Behind the Basilica di San Lorenzo, on the Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini, a 5-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station.
Tip
Combine this visit with the Galleria dell'Accademia on the same day to see Michelangelo in two places. In the Sagrestia Nuova, also look at the walls: Michelangelo conceived the architecture together with the sculptures.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cappelle Medicee
What to see in the Cappelle Medicee?
The Chapel of the Princes, with walls of hard stones in marquetry, and the New Sacristy, with the tombs of the Medici sculpted by Michelangelo.
Do the Cappelle Medicee belong to San Lorenzo?
They are part of the same complex but are a separate museum with their own entrance and ticket.
How long does the visit take?
About 45 minutes to an hour.