San Lorenzo in Florence: Medici History, Michelangelo Dreams, and a Front-Row Seat to the City
The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the oldest and largest churches in Florence, and hands-down one of my favorites. You’ll find it tucked into the center of the city’s main market district, surrounded by leather stalls, small shops, and the buzz of everyday life. It’s easy to pass by without realizing what’s inside—but don’t. San Lorenzo may look plain on the outside, but step inside and the calm beauty of its Renaissance design hits you immediately. The contrast is striking.
This post contains affiliate links that help keep this website running. By purchasing through our links, we make a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you for your support!
Michelangelo’s Unfinished Dream
Look closely at the rough brick facade of San Lorenzo. It’s not a design choice—it was never finished. Michelangelo himself designed a magnificent facade for the church in 1516, but it was never added due to funding and politics. You can still see his sketches and models at the Casa Buonarroti museum in Florence, and imagine what could’ve been. Despite the bare exterior, the inside is something else.
Step into the central nave, and a quiet, elegant symmetry greets you. The coffered ceiling, with its white panels and gilded rosettes, stretches above you in perfect rhythm. The interior is primarily grey and white, but this makes the artwork and frescoes pop even more. The frescoed dome above the altar adds a soft color palette to the space, drawing your eye naturally to the heart of the church.
One of the most notable pieces? The bronze pulpits by Donatello are located near the front on both sides. These were his final works, and they possess a raw emotional power. When we visited, they were being restored, but I managed to catch a glimpse under the barricade.
A Church with Medici Power
This was the parish church of the Medici family, and their fingerprints are all over it—literally. The basilica became their official burial site, with everyone from Cosimo il Vecchio to Cosimo III laid to rest within its walls. The family financed most of the artwork inside, and they placed their emblem—a gold shield with red and blue balls—throughout the building and across Florence.
We once had a young student lead our tour. She was fantastic and full of details about the Medici coat of arms. This information also included why it has six balls (and why they’re always a conversation starter). Once you spot this emblem, you’ll start seeing it everywhere—in churches, on palazzi, on fountains… It’s Florence’s version of “Medici was here.”
The picture (below) shows where Cosmo 1 and his wife are buried, beneath the gold grate in front of the altar.
For more information about San Lorenzo
The Art
The paintings and frescoes in this church are amazing. They just pop against the white walls.
A Favorite Place to Sit and Watch the City
One of the best things about San Lorenzo—besides the art and the history—is its front steps. People sit here for hours with gelato in hand, watching the world go by. It’s a rare spot in Florence where you can pause and take in the city’s rhythm.
All around the church, you’ll find leather stalls selling jackets, gloves, handbags, and belts, and tons more. It’s a great area to wander before or after your visit to the church—and maybe treat yourself if something catches your eye. But be aware before you purchase. Visit our post.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published in June 2018 and was recently updated in October 2025 for accuracy and additional information.
We stayed in a hotel almost across the street from the Basilica in 2023 and 2024 and walked past it a few times, but never went in. However, in 2023 were driving to Greve in Chianti next, and since it was a short drive, we decided to visit the adjoining Medici museum before our departure from Florence; it was a Great choice. The museum is worth visiting, but the Chapel of the Princes is stunning! We will be sure to visit the Basilica on our next visit to Florence.
Great information Dennis! Thank you so much for the comment. Appreciate it.
Thank you for the overview! We have been to Florene a few times and have passed but never gone in. This will definitely be on our list for th next trip.
And you are absolutely correct about the Medici coat of arms, once you see it, you start seeing it everywhere and even as far away as Rome.
Grazie Angelo! I think it’s worth the visit. The one thing you won’t see in Lucca, is the Medici coat of arms, as they never concord this town – much to the pleasure of Gary!