Within the monumental complex of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels are part of a project conceived in 1520, when Michelangelo started work on the New Sacristy of the Basilica di San Lorenzo. The Medici Chapels were commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de'Medici (who was to become Pope Clemente VII), as a mausoleum for certain members of the family, such as Lorenzo il Magnifico, Giuliano, Lorenzo, the Duke of Nemours and the Duke of Urbino.
The sculptures on the sarcophaguses in the chapels are of great importance. These sculptures portray the allegories of the "Dawn and the Sunset", the "Day and the Night" and the complex of the "Madonna and Child". A great number of interpretations exist concerning the elaborate symbolism within the structures; for example the tombs might refer to the liberation of the soul after death, a concept which could be linked to Michelangelo if one considers the what we know of his spirituality, whilst the statues on the sarcophagus are probably linked to the various phases of human life.
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Medici Chapels Italy Hotel Collection.
Our unique collection of Italian boutique hotels, small luxury hotels and resorts.
Helvetia & Bristol Firenze
Helvetia & Bristol - Firenze Hotels | The hotel Helvetia & Bristol, with its the armonious XIX century facade, is part of the city's history.
Via dei Pescioni, 2 - Firenze (Firenze)
Hotel Montebello Splendid Firenze
Hotel Montebello Splendid - Firenze Hotels | Hotel Montebello Splendid Florence: where 19th century elegance and contemporary luxury meet.
Via Garibaldi, 14 - Firenze (Firenze)
Hotel Savoy Firenze
Hotel Savoy - Firenze Hotels | Florence is one of the world's most beautiful and historical cities and the Hotel Savoy is situated right in its heart.
Piazza della Repubblica, 7 - Firenze (Firenze)
Relais Santa Croce Firenze
Relais Santa Croce - Firenze Hotels | The Relais Santa Croce is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Florence, between Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo.
Via Ghibellina, 87 - Firenze (Firenze)
Athenaeum Firenze
Athenaeum - Firenze Hotels | Hotel Athenaeum is a contemporary-style 4 star hotel right in the heart of the historic center of Florence.
Via Cavour, 88 - Firenze (Firenze)
Grand Hotel Minerva Firenze
Grand Hotel Minerva - Firenze Hotels | The exclusive Grand Hotel Minerva lies in the Santa Maria Novella square, in the historic centre of Florence.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 16 - Firenze (Firenze)
Hotel Astoria Firenze
Hotel Astoria - Firenze Hotels | In choosing Florence, you've chosen to immerse yourself completely in the art and beauty of the Italian Renaissance....
Via del Giglio, 9 - Firenze (Firenze)
Hotel Bernini Palace Firenze
Hotel Bernini Palace - Firenze Hotels | Located in Florence's historic centre, just a stone's throw from the Uffizi and Florence's main historical...
Piazza San Firenze, 29 - Firenze (Firenze)
Hotel Londra Firenze
Hotel Londra - Firenze Hotels | Florence's Hotel Londra is situated in the heart of the Tuscan capital, just a few steps away from the Santa Maria...
Via Jacopo da Diacceto, 16/20 - Firenze (Firenze)
Hotel Lungarno Firenze
Hotel Lungarno - Firenze Hotels | Tantamount to a private art gallery on the banks of the river Arno, Hotel Lungarno is anything but your average...
Borgo San Jacopo, 14 - Firenze (Firenze)
Hotel Roma Firenze
Hotel Roma - Firenze Hotels | Its luxurious decor and unbeatable location, overlooking the square and church of Santa Maria Novella, make Hotel...
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 8 - Firenze (Firenze)
J and J Historic House Hotel Firenze
J and J Historic House Hotel - Firenze Hotels | Florence's J and J Hotel, in the district of Santa Croce, combines modern day elegance with the charm of the...
Via di Mezzo, 20 - Firenze (Firenze)
Hotel Botticelli Firenze
Hotel Botticelli - Firenze Hotels | Right in the heart of the historic center of Florence, Hotel Botticelli combines the charm of a renaissance palazzo...
Via Taddea, 8 - Firenze (Firenze)
In Piazza della Signoria Firenze
In Piazza della Signoria - Firenze Hotels | A holiday in Florence staying in Piazza della Signoria and a trip by sailboat around the islands of Tuscany.
Via dei magazzini, 2 - Firenze (Firenze)
La Casa del Garbo Firenze
La Casa del Garbo - Firenze Hotels | A beautifully restored period residence, an elegant bed & breakfast, a luxurious guest house overlooking Piazza...
Piazza della Signoria, 8 - Firenze (Firenze)
Palazzo Tolomei Firenze
Palazzo Tolomei - Firenze Hotels | Palazzo Tolomei is an exclusive renaissance residence situated right in the middle of the historic center of Florence.
Via Ginori, 19 - Firenze (Firenze)
Residenza d'Epoca Bretagna Firenze
Residenza d'Epoca Bretagna - Firenze Hotels | Florence's Residenza d'Epoca Bretagna is the ideal choice for anybody who has ever dreamed of staying in a room with...
Lungarno Corsini, 6 - Firenze (Firenze)
Residenza del Moro Firenze
Residenza del Moro - Firenze Hotels | A splendid XVI century building, located on the ancient noble floor of the Palace Niccolini-Bourbon, in the centre of...
Via del Moro, 15 - Firenze (Firenze)
Platinhome Firenze
Platinhome - Firenze Hotels | Platinhome's luxury suites: bringing the latest in Italian interior design, high tech accessories and in-room...
Piazza della Repubblica, 6 - Firenze (Firenze)
Tornabuoni Suites Collection Firenze
Tornabuoni Suites Collection - Firenze Hotels | Tornabuoni Suites Collection: the epitome of contemporary luxury right in the heart of Florence.
Via Tornabuoni, 9 - Firenze (Firenze)
Granduomo Charming Accommodation Firenze
Granduomo Charming Accommodation - Firenze Hotels | Granduomo: luxury apartments directly opposite Florence Cathedral
Piazza del Duomo, 1/7 - Firenze (Firenze)
Medici Chapels Italy towns in the vicinity
Uffizi Gallery
The name of the museum is most likely to derive from "Uffici" or "Offices",...
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio has truly ancient origins; the original bridge was built by the Etruscans who...
Brunelleschi's Dome
Initiated in 1420, the construction of the dome of the Cathedral of Florence, Santa Maria del...
Giotto's bell tower
Initiated in 1334, the bell tower of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as "Giotto's bell...


