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Know Everything About The Medicis Chapels

The Medici Chapels in Florence's Medici Riccardi Palace house the Medici family's final resting place. Featuring Michelangelo's sculptures "Day" and "Night" and the lavish Chapel of the Princes with intricate marble work, the chapels offer a rich...

Founded On

1640

FlorenceMedici Chapel About

Quick information

ADDRESS

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

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

8:30am–6pm

VISITORS PER YEAR

205836

TICKETS

From € 15

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Michelangelo was personally acquainted with three of the four Medici family members buried in the chapel. This emotional connection is reflected in his powerful sculptures, which seem to meditate on mortality and the swift passage of time.

Surprisingly, the chapel is strikingly devoid of Christian imagery, focusing instead on humanistic themes and the Medici family's legacy. This departure from traditional religious decoration adds to the chapel's unique atmosphere.

Due to political upheaval in Florence, Michelangelo was forced to abandon the chapel before completing his original vision. The triangular room intended to hold the library's rarest treasures was never executed, leaving the chapel as an unfinished, yet still an inspiring, masterpiece.

What are Medicis Chapels?

The Medici Chapels are a renowned complex within the Medici Riccardi Palace in Florence. It houses the final resting place of the Medici family, featuring Michelangelo's captivating sculptures "Day" and "Night." The lavish Chapel of the Princes showcases intricate marble work. The chapels' frescoes and emblems add to the artistic ambiance. The Medici family's legacy as patrons of arts and Florentine influencers is intertwined with the chapels' history, creating an immersive experience in Renaissance art and culture.

Quick Facts about Medicis Chapels

Official name: Cappelle Medicee
Location/Address: The Medicis Chapels is located at Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.Get directions on a map.
Date of opening: 1869
Architect (for historical monuments): Michelangelo
Architectural style (if applicable): 16th -17th Century Renaissance.

Plan Your Visit to Medicis Chapels

Opening Hours:

Depending on the time of the year you intend to visit Medicis Chapels, the opening hours may vary accordingly:
Open Monday to Sunday 8:15 am - 1:50 pm.

Closed on the 2nd and 4th Sunday and 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of each month, New Year’s Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.

Location

Address: The Medicis Chapels is located at Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
Find On Map: Get directions on a map.
Nearest Metro Station: Unità is the closest metro station to the venue.
Landmarks nearby: The Medici Chapels are situated adjacent to the renowned Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence, making it a prominent landmark in close proximity to the chapels.

Medicis Chapels Highlights - what you can see and do here.

Magnificent Michelangelo Sculptures

Stand in awe before Michelangelo's masterpieces, "Day" and "Night," intricate sculptures symbolizing life's fleeting nature. The sublime detailing and profound emotion within these artworks illuminate the Renaissance's artistic genius.

The Medici Crypts

Descend into the sacred Medici Crypts, where illustrious family members rest eternally. Within these tombs lie Cosimo I de' Medici and his wife Eleonora di Toledo, eminent figures in history, infusing the site with deep historical resonance.

Opulent Chapel of the Princes

Behold the resplendent Chapel of the Princes, adorned with intricate marbles and mesmerizing semi-precious stones. This opulent mausoleum stands as a testament to the grandeur and opulence that defined the Medici family's status and influence.

Striking Frescoes and Decorations

Marvel at the vivid frescoes and intricate decorations adorning the chapels, narrating religious narratives and showcasing Medici heraldry. The vivid color palette and artistic mastery of these embellishments contribute to an enchanting atmosphere within the complex. 

Medici History and Legacy

Delve into the Medici family's enduring legacy, pivotal in shaping the course of Florentine history and arts. Immerse yourself in the captivating anecdotes and anecdotes that enshroud this iconic dynasty, gaining insight into their far-reaching influence.

History of Medicis Chapels In A Nutshell

The Medicis Chapels, nestled within the Medici Riccardi Palace in Florence, are a testament to the influential Medici family's legacy. Commissioned by the Medici Grand Duke Cosimo I, the chapels were designed to honor family members' memory. The renowned Renaissance artist Michelangelo sculpted the allegorical figures "Day" and "Night," adorning the New Sacristy. The family's crypts hold prominent members' tombs, underscoring their historical significance. The opulent Chapel of the Princes further reflects their wealth and power. The Medicis' patronage of arts and their central role in Florentine history are vividly depicted within these remarkable chapels.

Architecture & Design of Medicis Chapels

The architecture of the Medicis Chapels, situated within the Medici Riccardi Palace in Florence, encapsulates the essence of Renaissance grandeur. The design harmoniously merges artistic mastery and historical reverence. The New Sacristy, housing Michelangelo's renowned sculptures "Day" and "Night," showcases symmetrical elegance and intricate detailing. The Medici Crypts exhibit austere yet impactful architectural elements, symbolizing the family's profound influence. The Chapel of the Princes, a crowning jewel, dazzles with lavish marble and semi-precious stones, reflecting the Medici's opulence and power. Throughout, frescoes and decorations narrate religious stories and the family's heritage. This architectural ensemble mirrors the Medici family's cultural patronage, encapsulating the era's artistic brilliance and the family's enduring legacy.