BASILICA SAN LORENZO
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Basilica with an unfinished facade, considered the first religious building of Renaissance style in Florence.
Basilica consecrated in 393, making it the oldest church in Florence, and arranged in its current appearance in 1419 by Brunelleschi. Although rebuilt several times, the Basilica of San Lorenzo is considered the first religious building in the Renaissance style in Florence. Its façade should have been covered with marble by Michelangelo. Today, therefore, it is a church with a sober, unfinished, almost rough facade, in strong contrast with the richness of the wood. The absolutely pure proportions of the interior allow us to recognize the genius of Brunelleschi.
Near the altar are two bronze pulpits attributed to Donatello. A funerary chapel, called the New Sacristy, of harmonious severity, is a masterpiece by Michelangelo. Two funeral monuments are decorated with statues by the artist. Admire especially theAurora, a statue where Michelangelo tries to imprint the sun's rays in the marble by deforming the face.
In the basement of the Basilica, in the Museum of the Treasure, it is possible to see the tomb of Giovanni di Bicci (John of Medici), the founder of the Medici dynasty, and the monumental tomb of Cosimo the Elder.
Built in 1462 by Manetti, the cloister houses a formal garden and the Medici library, which can be reached by a sublime three-ramp staircase designed by Michelangelo. Please note that a separate ticket is required to visit the Medici Library and the Medici chapels.
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