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Why visit the Medici Chapels
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Michelangelo’s brilliance
The New Sacristy, home to the tombs of Lorenzo de' Medici, the de facto ruler of the Florentine Republic, and his brother Giuliano de' Medici, who was assassinated in Duomo Florence, was designed by renowned artist Michelangelo, showcasing his genius in both architecture and sculpture.
Opulent grand mausoleum
The Chapel of the Princes is a monumental, gemstone-studded mausoleum, recognized by its octagonal floor and grand dome, housing the tombs of several members of the Medici family, reflecting their power and art patronage in Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Power of the Medici dynasty
As the final resting place of the Medici family, the Medici Chapels offer insights into the rich, powerful, and influential dynasty that shaped Florence's political and cultural landscape.
Contributions by renowned artists
Beyond Michelangelo's contributions, the Medici Chapels house intricate frescoes, sculptures, sarcophagi, and decorative arts created by celebrated artists like Donatello and Benozzo Gozzoli.
New discoveries
Explore new visiting spaces that were opened to the public in 2023, such as the Lorraine Crypt and Michelangelo's Secret Room, which features charcoal drawings attributed to the master.
Things to know before you book your Medici Chapels tickets
Standard entry tickets grant access to the Medici Chapels museum complex, including the Chapel of the Princes, Michelangelo’s New Sacristy (home to the Medici tomb sculptures), and the crypt/Medici tombs.
Michelangelo’s Secret Room is not included in standard tickets. Since entry is by reservation only, book separate tickets at least a month in advance if you wish to visit.
You will need separate tickets to gain entry to the adjacent Basilica of San Lorenzo.
Skip-the-line tickets are essentially timed-entry tickets allowing you to enter at a chosen time slot. These must be booked in advance and allow you to bypass the slow-moving ticket purchase line. However, all visitors must pass through mandatory security checks before entry.
Use the free audio guide app included with your ticket for an informative, self-paced experience.
Guided tours offer deeper insights into the Chapels’ rich history and stunning architecture. Licensed guides bring the Medici family's legacy to life, highlighting details you might miss on your own.
Some tours focus solely on the Chapels, while others include nearby Medici sites, such as San Lorenzo and the Medici Palace.
First Sunday of every month is Free Museum Sunday. However, no reservations are accepted, and entry is first-come, first-served. Expect long lines and large crowds—arrive early for the best chance of getting in.
Tickets are available on-site at the Medici Chapels ticket office or online in advance. To secure your preferred time slot, book tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (April to September) and at least a few days ahead during off-season.
Which Medici Chapels ticket is best for you
Standard tickets
Duration: Flexible (self-paced)
Old & New Sacristy access: Yes
Chapel of the Princes access: Yes
Medici Crypt access: Yes
Guide: No
Why go for it?
Guarantees entry even on busy days, helping you avoid long ticket queues.
If visiting during off-season weekdays, crowds are lighter, but pre-booking still ensures smooth access.
Includes a free audio guide app to explore at your own pace.
Recommended tickets:
Medici Chapels Skip-the-Line Tickets
Guided tours
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Old & New Sacristy access: Yes
Chapel of the Princes access: Yes
Medici Crypt access: Yes
Guide: Yes
Why go for it?
Comes with priority admission, so you skip ticket lines and dive straight into the Medici’s legacy.
Your expert guide will bring Michelangelo’s sculptures (Night, Day, Dawn, and Dusk) to life, explaining their artistic and historical significance.
Ideal for first-time visitors who want a structured experience.
Recommended tickets:
Medici Chapels Guided Tour
Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible (self-paced)
Old & New Sacristy access: Yes
Chapel of the Princes access: Yes
Medici Crypt access: Yes
Guide: Depends on the combo tickets you book
Why go for it?
A deeper dive into Medici history, combining the Chapels with San Lorenzo Church, Medici Palace, or other key sites.
Broader perspective on Florence’s ruling family—expect fascinating stories of Lorenzo the Magnificent, political conspiracies, and Renaissance power plays.
Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo Square Private Tour
What's inside the Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels are made up of two grand chapels and additional crypt spaces, all housed within the Basilica of San Lorenzo. These spaces were commissioned by the Medici family, one of the most powerful dynasties of the Renaissance, and serve as both a mausoleum and a masterpiece of art and architecture. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
New Sacristy
Designed by: Michelangelo (1520-1534)
A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, this chapel blends sculpture and structure seamlessly, showcasing Michelangelo’s genius.
Highlights inside:
Tombs of Lorenzo & Giuliano de' Medici: Decorated with Michelangelo’s famous allegorical figures: Day, Night, Dawn, and Dusk.
The Madonna and Child: One of Michelangelo’s most delicate and expressive sculptures.
Chapel of the Princes
Commissioned by: Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici (1604)
A monument to Medici power, this massive octagonal chapel is a stunning display of wealth, covered in precious stones and crowned with a lavish dome.
Highlights inside:
Lavish dome & Pietra Dura decorations: Rare marbles, lapis lazuli, jasper, and onyx cover every surface.
Tombs of the Grand Dukes: Extravagant sarcophagi topped with Medici family crests.
Painted ceiling frescoes: A grand celestial scene symbolizing Medici influence over art & religion.
The Medici Crypt
Houses: The remains of Cosimo de’ Medici, the Medici Grand Dukes, and other family members.
This somber, minimalist space marks the final resting place of Florence’s most influential family.
Highlights inside:
Austere, minimalist tombs: Unlike the ornate Chapel of the Princes, the crypt is simple and subdued.
Burial of Cosimo the Elder: The founder of the Medici dynasty, who helped shape Renaissance Florence, is buried here.
Michelangelo’s Secret Room
Discovered: 1975
A tiny chamber containing Michelangelo’s secret sketches, believed to have been drawn while he hid from Medici persecution in 1530.
Highlights inside:
Charcoal drawings on the walls: These drawings were thought to be early studies for the Sistine Chapel.
Highly restricted access: Entry requires a separate reservation made at least a month in advance.
Added by: The House of Lorraine, who ruled Florence after the Medici.
A quieter, lesser-known section of the Chapels, this crypt houses the Medici's successors, marking the transition of power in Florence.
Highlights inside:
Burial of House of Lorraine rulers: The successors to the Medici dynasty.
Tomb of Cosimo III: The last ruling Medici Grand Duke, whose poor leadership contributed to the family's decline.
Reliquary Chamber
Added in: 17th and 18th centuries
This chamber reflects the Medici family's devotion and artistic patronage, offering a glimpse into their religious and cultural legacy.
Highlights inside:
Sacred reliquaries: Exquisite silver and gold reliquaries, including one dedicated to St. John the Baptist, containing a fragment of his bones.
Reliquary of St. Cosimo and St. Damian: Adorned with colorful enamels depicting scenes from their lives and miracles.
Paintings by renowned artists: The walls feature religious artworks by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio, depicting Medici family members and biblical scenes.
Plan your visit to the Medici Chapels
Timings:
Wednesday to Monday: 8:15am to 6:50pm
Last entry: 40 minutes before closing time
Closed on:
Tuesdays
First, third, and fifth Monday of each month
Second and fourth Sunday of each month
January 1, December 25
Best time to visit
Visit early (before 10:30am) or late in the afternoon (after 4:30pm), when crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is more serene.
The Medici Chapels is accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, though the historic nature of the building means using an alternative entrance. There is a side entrance off Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini (the square behind San Lorenzo) available for wheelchair access.
Museum staff can assist in using elevators/ramps inside to reach the main chapel levels. It’s recommended to inform the staff or call ahead if you need special access, so they can open the necessary entrances. The site’s official literature notes they have devices/elevators to facilitate access for disabled visitors.
One area that is not accessible is the small Michelangelo’s Secret Room (if you have a special ticket for it), since it requires descending narrow steps and has very tight space.
Guide dogs and assistance animals are allowed inside the attraction.
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the allotted time. If you’re late, you will not be allowed to enter. No refunds either.
Modest and appropriate clothing is recommended since the attraction is a place of worship. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, short skirts, shorts, and mini-skirts.
Photography and videography are strictly prohibited. No tripods, selfie sticks, or professional cameras are allowed inside without prior permission.
Large bags & backpacks are not allowed inside. Store them in lockers before entering the attraction.
Consuming food and beverages or smoking inside are strictly prohibited.
Silence is required as the Medici Chapels are a religious and historical site.
Pre-booking allows you to skip the long ticket lines and enter faster. However, all visitors must pass through a mandatory security check. Arrive early to allow time for this process.
There is no seating inside and you will be walking/standing the whole time.
Try to avoid crowds so you can properly view Michelangelo’s sculptures without feeling rushed.
Plan to spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour inside to fully appreciate everything without rushing.
Keep your ticket handy as you may need to show it when moving between sections.
The dome of the Chapel of the Princes is one of the marvels – don’t forget to look up! It’s adorned with lavish pietra dura (inlaid stone) and Medici coat-of-arms designs. Taking a moment in the center of the chapel to soak in the opulence is a must-do for a wholesome experience.
Beyond the Medici Chapels
Duomo Florence
Distance: 350m (5-min walk) Iconic cathedral with terracotta-tiled dome by Brunelleschi.
Frequently asked questions about Medici Chapels tickets
Inclusions depend on the type of tickets you choose to purchase. But all ticket options include skip-the-line access to the New Sacristy, the Chapel of the Princes, and the Medici Crypt.
No, you cannot visit Michelangelo’s Secret Room with your Medici Chapel tickets. You will have to book tickets for the same separately and much in advance as the secret room can only be accessed by a limited number of visitors at a time.
Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by ticket type. Check the terms and conditions before booking to understand if and how you can cancel your tickets.
Not always. Some tickets cover only the chapels, while others may include the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Check your ticket details before booking.
The best time to visit the Medici Chapels is early in the morning before 10:30am or late afternoon after 4:30pm to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete a tour of the Medici Chapels.
No, you cannot re-enter the Medici Chapels after you exit using the same ticket. You will have to buy tickets again if you wish to access the chapels.
Yes, but availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak seasons. Booking in advance is the best way to secure your visit.
There are limited seating areas, so be prepared to stand or walk for most of your visit.
Yes, the Medici Chapels offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month.
