Admire the artistry of Michelangelo and Donatello and visit the graves of the powerful Medici family in one of Florence’s oldest churches.
San Lorenzo Church (Basilica di San Lorenzo) claims to be the oldest church in Florence, with origins stretching back to its consecration in 393. The current building dates from 1419 and is one of the earliest examples of classical Renaissance style. The original design was by Brunelleschi, although he died before the project was completed, and his plans were substantially altered by subsequent architects. Despite this mix of influences, the building pioneered many of the features which came to epitomise the new style and is held in high regard for its proportions and symmetry.
Brunelleschi’s hand can be traced most vividly in the Old Sacristy (Sagrestia Vecchia) in the north transept, the only part of the church to be finished during his lifetime. Its walls are decorated with eight Donatello reliefs depicting scenes from the life of St John the Baptist. Donatello was also responsible for the reliefs on the two bronze pulpits which relate the story of the Resurrection these were the artist’s last works and are among the church’s most treasured possessions.
Michelangelo was commissioned to design the internal and external façade, although in the end only the internal façade was built. He also designed the domed ceiling of the New Sacristy (Sagrestia Nuova) in the south transept and the tombs of many important members of the Medici family, whose wealth and patronage was responsible for attracting the best artists and architects of the Renaissance to Florence. Altogether over 50 members of this powerful dynasty are buried in San Lorenzo.
Michelangelo was also the creative genius behind the revolutionary design of the Laurentian Library (Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana) in the cloister, which is considered to be the architect’s finest achievement. The library houses many rare books and ancient manuscripts, as well as a collection of modern scholarly works.
There is a small charge for visiting San Lorenzo Church, and other areas, such as the library, incur an additional charge. The church is occasionally closed to visitors, so check the website of the Polo Museale Fiorentino for opening hours and admission fees. Then after soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the interior, step outside and join the throngs of bargain-hunters in bustling San Lorenzo Market, one of the biggest outdoor markets in Florence.
