The Basilica of San Lorenzo

The Basilica of San Lorenzo is located not far from the Duomo of Florence. It is one of the oldest churches in the city, and closely linked to the Medici family.

Initially built in the fourth century, the church was rebuilt in Romanesque style in the eleventh century. It was then enlarged during the fifteenth century according to the wishes of Neri di Bicci, progenitor of the Medici family, who wanted to transform the church into the family mausoleum. The expansion works were entrusted to Filippo Brunelleschi, who was also working on the construction of the dome of the Cathedral, and who worked on it until his death in 1446. The project was completed by Antonio Manetti in 1461, who continued the work begun by his master.

The interior of the Basilica of San Lorenzo is characterized by perfect proportions and balance among its different architectural components, highlighted by the use of pietra serena (a local gray sandstone) in contrast to the white plaster work. This particular use of pietra serena can also be seen in the Old Sacristy, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture by Brunelleschi. The room is decorated with the Stories of Saint John the Evangelist by Donatello, who also created the bronze doors with Saints, Martyrs, Apostles and Fathers of the Church.

Among the works of art preserved in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence worthy of mention are the two bronze pulpits by Donatello, the Pulpit of the Resurrection and the Pulpit of the Passion; the Marriage of the Virgin by Rosso Fiorentino and the fresco of the Martyrdom of Saint Laurence by Bronzino. Do not miss the splendid Cloister, Chiostro dei Canonici, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

A peculiarity of the Basilica of San Lorenzo is that it does not have a finished facade. The famous final version was designed by Michelangelo who conceived a majestic travertine marble facade following the commission by Pope Leo X in 1516. This project though, was never completed for various vicissitudes. It is possible to admire the drawings and a wooden reconstruction of this facade project in the museum of Casa Buonarroti.

Next to the basilica are the Medici Chapels, which consist of the New Sacristy and the Chapel of the Princes and which preserve Michelangelo's extraordinary masterpieces: Day, Night, Twilight and Dawn.