Basilica di San Lorenzo

One of the oldest and most historically significant churches in Florence. Originally consecrated in 393 AD, rebuilt in the 15th century under the patronage of the Medici family. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, a key figure of the Renaissance. Houses Medici chapels, including the New Sacristy, decorated by Michelangelo. Features a simple Renaissance façade (unfinished marble exterior). Interior contains Renaissance art, sculptures, and tombs of prominent Medici family members.

San Lorenzo sits in Florence’s market district like a paradox: one of the city’s key churches, yet still wearing an unfinished façade. Tradition points to an early Christian consecration in 393, but the building you feel is the 15th-century reset, when Brunelleschi gave it a new Renaissance grammar - white planes held in place by pietra serena, proportion doing the work of ornament. It is also Medici territory: their parish church, their long-term building site, and the hinge that links worship to dynasty. Nearby and attached, the complex keeps unfolding into add-ons that change the register completely - the Old Sacristy’s early-domed clarity, Michelangelo’s unrealised façade dream, and the Laurentian Library with its vestibule and stair, begun in the 1520s and realised later. San Lorenzo is Florence building power in public, then leaving the seams visible.

Looks beautiful from the outiside. Unfortunately we did not have time to visit the interior. This Basilica is located just next to Cappelle Medicee so if you're doing both, do them together.

We didn’t go inside the Basilica di San Lorenzo, but the outdoor area was lovely. You can sit on the stairs and enjoy the atmosphere while different street singers and musicians perform for tourists. It’s a lively and relaxing spot to take a short break and soak up the Florence vibe!

Pretty disappointing I thought. For 9 euros I was expecting something pretty spectacular but it is nothing exceptional. I thought the courtyard was the best part. The basement isn't a crypt but a museum of altar pieces and robes. There is a toilet in the bookstore (off the courtyard) that costs 1 euro but it only takes 1 and 2 euro coins. Just duck under the turnstile to get in. Trivia - The front of the building looks odd since it is the back wall to a marble facade that was never added.

Basilica di San Lorenzo is a refreshing and beautiful stop. After two weeks in Italy surrounded by duomos overflowing with art and decoration, its simplicity is a welcome break. Elegant, calm, and harmonious—beauty through restraint. Highly recommended.can’t miss the lovely Donatello pulpits.

📍 Basilica di San Lorenzo – Florence, Italy 🇮🇹 We didn’t go inside, but the square outside is lively and full of atmosphere 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️. People stroll through, browse the market stalls 🛍️, and enjoy cafés ☕ around the basilica. The unfinished façade looks plain compared to other Florentine churches, but it’s still an interesting landmark to see while walking the area. A vibrant spot for soaking in local life, even without entering. 🙌

May 2025. We were not able to explore much but were able to attend Sunday Mass. It was also the first Church we entered in Italy so it was a nice intro to the beauty that awaited us.

I know!! There are sooo many churches in Italy and in Florence and it's incredibly boring if you're a kid or unmoved by art and history. But, if you have the good luck to love art and the smarts to love history, then this is definitely one of the three churches you should see in Florence. Although, I don't like to should on people. The was the Medici family church which is nothing to look at from the outside, but the story of the Medicis and how Michaelanglo, one of the teenage mutant ninja turtle and apparently an artist as well, abandoned the project. Cosimo di Medici asked to be buried at the feet of another ninja turtle and artist Donatello. It's shows how much Cosimo adored the artist. He didn't ask to be buried with his wife or mother or children, but with one of the greatest artists of all time.

This probably isn't one of the greatest churches out there, but it is still quite nice. Actually, I believe that this is the church that the Medici's went to, and there is quite a nice museum not only in the basement, but also in the main building. Sure, they do charge you a small fee to enter, but that seems to be the case in some of these churches, particularly is there is a museum inside. It isn't a big one though, and it certainly doesn't take all that long to wander around either, but it is worth checking out.

Basilica di San Lorenzo (aka: Basilica of St Lawrence) is one of the largest churches in Firenze. The church is located in the center of Firenze's market district and is the burial site of the Medici family. This church was consecrated in 393 and is one of several churches that claim to be the oldest in Firenze. The church is part of a larger monastery that contains other prominent artistic and architectural works: the Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi, with interior decoration and sculpture by Donatello; the Laurentian Library by Michelangelo; the New Sacristy based on Michelangelo's designs; and the Medici Chapels by Matteo Nigetti. TIP: There is a separate entrance fee for Medici Chapels. Both sites are covered by the Firenze card, but I would only purchase this card if you have three days to explore Florence or if you are traveling to Florence during the summer and want to avoid the long lines.

I must be seeing a different landmark I walked past this church on my way to the Mercado Centrale and saw an unimpressive and rundown looking structure that seemed to have seen better days. It's a sad and disappointing sight.

The place is located not too far from Santa Maria Novella station in the market district. The Basilica is one of the oldest churches in Florence. It truly represents Classic Renaissance architecture. The outside is very old looking and doesn't look well maintained but it gives its Classic Renaissance look . Much of the history is designed by Filippo Brunelleschi around about the 15th century and is the burial place of the prominent members of the Medici family. There is an admission fee for the church and the cloister, but there is not much to see so I opt out of visiting inside. The Medici Chapels are at the back of the church and are a separate attraction also require a separate admission fees.

Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana Walking up those stone stairs a reminder goes through your head of the number of people, over the centuries, that have done the same thing. Entering the first room you are hit by the ceiling, wonderfully carved wood. Under your feet, don't walk on it, a beautifully tiled floor. The wooden benches that, again over the centuries, have seated many learned people. The central circular library room with its wonderful furnishings and paintings. Finally, a room filled with illuminated books written by those monks. No modern day computers to 'help' them and, jokingly, no spell check or tipex for those mistakes LOL. Finally, the cloisters where those hard working monks had their Spartan rooms. A fantastic few hours spent. Well worth hunting this bibliotheca out.

It has been eight years since I've visited Michelangelo"s stunning Laurentian library in Florence, built for the Medici family. I will never forget that feeling of first walking into the library, walking up the spectacular marble steps designed and cut by my favorite artist 500 years ago, not many people know that Michelangelo was an architect as well as a painter and sculptor. The color of the marvelous spectacular and unusual marble was amazing and in certain photos it looks white or gray but I remember it was an unusual almost dark turquoise. I studied Michelangelo in high school though I was not an artist myself, I have written papers on it so to see it in person was thrilling. And one of the best things was I researched it's opening hours and showed up five minutes before the Library started and for some reason, because this is the best kept secret in Florence, I was completely alone except for the lovely staff. Although unfortunately I don't speak Italian and they were gracious and educated me took me one by one to see the best illuminated manuscripts in the pews which are laid out like at church. Imagine touching 500 year old books! They even have a first copy edition of Ovid"s metamorphosis. Unbelievable. The staff were also gracious enough to mention to me politely and I shouldn't walk on the spectacular tiled floor, I didn't realize. I was just so blown away by the ceilings, the windows, the architecture, thinking about Michelangelo, I didn't see the signs or pay attention to where I was walking- lucky I wasn't in stilettos!!!!. But they never made me feel stupid like perhaps more overworked and underappreciated docents would.....Thank you to the staff for probably one of my favorite memories of Florence! I will never forget you!

I want to say that I can't believe the amount of churches in Italy...but really I can. What I don't believe was what happened when I walked into this Basilica. If you've ever seen the movie Loaded Weapon which is a spoof of the Lethal Weapon series there is a scene were they walk into the Mel Gibson characters trailer and inside is a beautiful mansion! That's what I felt like when I walked into here. I mean from the outside it looks like an old run down building and that's pretty much what I expected on the inside but WOW there is a major contrast from the outside and inside. The outside is very old looking and doesn't look well maintained. The inside is the opposite. If you're into architecture and churches then I can't see someone not liking this place. However if you don't care for things like this then I'd definitely skip it. This place is located in the heart of Florence and is surrounded by many restaurants, shops and has a few markets within a hop, step and jump away.

A very unassuming and place you might miss if you are unaware of where it is, it is one of those places you should see. One of the largest and oldest churches in Florence, it is definitely worth the stop. Several of the Medici family is buried there who stepped up for financing the building during its development. Interestingly, the basilica had many design challenges while it was being built (not unlike many others of this time) and before you go, it would be good to understand the history or get a tour which you can ask questions on its development. When you are there, you will be astounded by the grand architecture and some great works of art. The Medici Chapel is a great place to go, and will be awe inspiring when you see it.

As I went out to explore Florence on my first day, I walked past this 2 times before I realized it's significance. Hence, to me there really wasn't much. I did, however, really like all of the young people sitting on the steps playing music and relaxing.

From all the churches that I have been to in Italy - this is the only church where I had felt a huge connection. Its a bit old on the outside but once you walk inside it is simply beautiful. I cant wait to go back and visit!