7 Libraries Set Inside UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Condé Nast Traveler
"Established to consolidate the Medici family’s growing trove of classical manuscripts, this library was designed by Michelangelo in the 1520s as an architectural sequence leading from the compact, almost sculptural Ricetto into a long, light-filled reading room. The collection—spanning Greek and Latin codices, early biblical texts, and humanist writings—maps the intellectual concerns of Renaissance Florence. Eschewing decorative excess, a framework of pietra serena underscores its role as a working scholarly space. Access today is carefully managed, with small visitor groups and a changing display of manuscripts drawn from a larger archive housed in climate-controlled storage." - Navya Verma
Pablo F.
Google
★★★★★
Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana is an extraordinary place. We loved the serenity and the quiet sense of majesty throughout the building. Michelangelo’s staircase is stunning—bold, elegant, and unforgettable. A beautiful, contemplative visit.
Zack A.
Google
This 16th century Medici library, designed by Michelangelo, is said to hold some of the most prestigious books in Italy. You won’t see many of them, but visiting is definitely recommended - especially if you do a bit of reading on the history and relevance of the place.
Worth coming to, even if it does only take less than 15 minutes to see and comprehend. The stained-glass windows are remarkable.
Pong L.
Google
This library is absolutely stunning, I really enjoy these older antique libraries. Italy is filled with lovely libraries like this, that house some of the greatest books, novels, manuscripts ever written. It’s always such a treat to see these gorgeous places and their amazing collections. The Laurentian Library is definitely one place you’ll want to visit. If you’re a book worm like me I would definitely recommend checking it out. Pay attention to when it’s open, because the hours are brief.
Rafael G.
Google
Don‘t expect too much. Try to visit and enjoy(!) the library and afterwards the Sagrestia Vecchia (vault of a museum) and (most important) the small and large monastery cloister (get away from bustle of the big city). Do not hustle!
Gail M.
Google
What an unfortunate waste of time and expense. 5 euros per person for two squalid rooms that doesn't even have any books. When we inquired where the books were, the absent-minded guard told us to look on the bare shelves! I don't suggest going here whatsoever. Instead use your funds towards another of Florence's many attractions.
Michael P.
Google
The Laurentian Library was designed by Michelangelo for the Medici family. It's part of Basilica di San Lorenzo complex in Florence and it's a serene, elegant masterpiece.
Olli L.
Google
We were there in the morning on Sun, April 6th, 2025. The guard at the entrance was extremely rude, not only to us, also to an Asian group that came before us. Instead of answering our questions he asked us sarcastically, if we even speak English (which we do, better them him anyway). The Asian Group was also really confused and asked us what we think his problem was. Believed he was being just racist to them. We wouldn't come back to that place, if we got paid for it. That guy shouldn't work where he has to interact with other people.
joan Q
Google
The ticket office seems to be run by scammers. Be careful of what you buy because they sell 2 things in the same office with very poor information and there's no refund of money once you have paid, even if it is just a second after. You'll find confusing information online. There's one ticket for the basilica (9€) and another one for the library (5€). The library is open just until 13h, the basilica until 17:30 (but you can't buy the ticket after 16:30). At the ticket office, all the information is in a tiny sign, and if you ask for 1, 2, 3 tickets, whatever, without specifying, they sell you the ticket for the basilica without telling you that for the library you need another ticket.