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Medici Chapels Tickets & Tours

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Tomb of Giuliano de Medici with sculptures Night and Day in Florence, Italy.






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Why visit the Medici Chapels

Michelangelo’s brilliance
Opulent grand mausoleum
Power of the Medici dynasty
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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.

Recommended tickets:

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.
Know more

The Lorraine Crypt

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.

Know more

Address: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Getting there

By public transport:

  • By metro: Take the T2 metro rail to Unità. The Medici Chapels are a 3-minute walk from the station.
  • By bus: Take bus line C2 to C4 to Stazione Via Panzani or bus numbers 14 or 23 to Via De' Pucci. The chapels are a 2-minute walk from both stops.
  • By car: Take the roads Via Francesco Baracca or Via Faenza to the chapels.
How to reach
Medici Chapels
  • Lockers: Free, located at the entrance for large bags.
  • Restrooms: Toilets are located inside the museum area. Accessible restrooms are also available.
  • Bookstore: Situated toward the exit from the museum, the bookstore sells museum guides in different languages, art publications, and souvenirs.
  • First aid: Staff is equipped and available for medical assistance, in case you need any.
  • Children: Prams and baby strollers are allowed inside. Changing tables are also available near the toilets.
To know more
  • 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.

Visit Duomo Florence

Basilica of San Lorenzo

Distance: Adjacent to the Medici Chapels

Ancient church with stunning architecture and historical significance.

Uffizi Gallery

Distance: 850m (12-minute walk)

Famous museum showcasing Renaissance art by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vince, and Botticelli.

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Palazzo Vecchio

Distance: 850m (12-min walk)

Historic town hall featuring Renaissance architecture and art.

Visit Palazzo Vecchio

Frequently asked questions about Medici Chapels tickets

What is included in my 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.

Can I visit Michelangelo’s Secret Room with the Medici Chapels tickets?

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.

Can I cancel or reschedule my Medici Chapels tickets?

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.

Do Medici Chapels tickets include access to the Basilica of San Lorenzo?

Not always. Some tickets cover only the chapels, while others may include the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Check your ticket details before booking.

What is the best time to visit the Medici Chapels?

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.

How long does it take to complete a Medici Chapels tour?

It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete a tour of the Medici Chapels.

Can I re-enter the Medici Chapels after I exit using the same ticket?

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.

Can I buy last-minute Medici Chapels tickets on the day of my visit?

Yes, but availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak seasons. Booking in advance is the best way to secure your visit.

Are there seating areas inside the Medici Chapels?

There are limited seating areas, so be prepared to stand or walk for most of your visit.

Are there free entry days for the Medici Chapels?

Yes, the Medici Chapels offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month.

More reads

About the Medici Chapels

Michelangelo's Secret Room

How to reach the Medici Chapels

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.