Medici Chapels Skip-the-Line Tickets

Skip the queues and make the most of your time with reserved entry to the Medici Chapels—explore iconic art and Medici history without the wait.

Getting started

Begin your journey into Florentine history with skip-the-line access to the Medici Chapels, located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo. As you enter, step into the world of one of Italy’s most powerful families, the Medicis, who shaped Renaissance art, culture, and politics.

What to expect

Journey through the Medici Chapels, from the quiet tombs below to Michelangelo’s soul-stirring sculptures and the dazzling splendor of the Chapel of the Princes, tracing power, legacy, and art in every corner.

Medici Crypt

The Medici Crypt is the quietest part of the complex, tucked beneath the main chapel. It holds the simple tombs of lesser-known Medici family members, including Grand Dukes. Look for the family’s coat of arms carved into the walls, inscribed names and dates tracing their lineage, and the striking contrast between these humble resting places and the splendor that awaits above.

Michelangelo’s New Sacristy

Enter the chamber Michelangelo designed as a Medici tomb. You’ll see Dawn and Dusk on one tomb, Day and Night on the other—figures carved with striking realism and quiet tension. Here rests Michelangelo’s unfinished tribute to the Medici, where light and shadow reveal the raw emotion etched into every surface.

Chapel of the Princes

Step into an octagonal hall built to display Medici power. Look up at the vast dome, covered in vivid frescoes. Around you, walls are inlaid with polished marble and semi-precious stones, with lapis lazuli, jasper, and porphyry framing six monumental tombs. Every surface speaks of wealth, ambition, and legacy.

Medici Chapels Skip-the-Line Tickets

Discover the Medici Chapels on this skip-the-line tour that includes access to the ornate Chapel of the Princes and Michelangelo’s sculptures in the New Sacristy, among other highlights. This 2-hour guided experience allows you to explore Florence's most significant landmarks with ease, including the Cappelle Medicee, which was established in 1604 by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici. The chapels are located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo and cover an area of approximately 375 square meters, housing numerous tombs and sculptures that tell the story of one of Florence’s most powerful families. With skip-the-line access, you can spend up to 40 minutes inside the chapels, ensuring a relaxed pace without the rush of crowds. The tour includes a multilingual audio guide app available in English, providing insights into ornate tombs and Medici legacy, adding depth to your visit.

Explore Cappelle Medicee

Your tour stops at Cappelle Medicee where you can admire the Chapel of the Princes and Michelangelo’s sculptures. Built in 1604 by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici, the chapels cover an area of approximately 375 square meters and house numerous tombs, including those of Lorenzo II de’ Medici and his wife, Clarice Strozzi. The New Sacristy features Michelangelo’s famous sculptures such as the Statue of Giuliano de’ Medici and the Statue of Lorenzo de’ Medici, completed between 1520 and 1534. Visitors typically spend around 40 minutes exploring these chapels, marveling at the intricate details and historical significance of each piece. Unlike other sites in Florence, the Cappelle Medicee offers a unique glimpse into the lives and legacy of the ruling family through its ornate tombs and sculptures.

Discover Chapel of the Princes

Your tour continues at the Chapel of the Princes within the Cappelle Medicee. This chapel, completed in 1631 by Matteo Nigetti, is known for its elaborate frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Cardinal Leopoldo de' Medici and his patronage of the arts. The ceiling features intricate designs with a diameter of approximately 20 meters, showcasing the wealth and power of the Medici family during the Renaissance period. Visitors can spend around 15 minutes exploring this chapel, admiring its ornate decorations and learning about the historical context through the multilingual audio guide app available in English.

Tour Highlights

• Skip the ticket queues at Cappelle Medicee
• Explore Chapel of the Princes with detailed frescoes
• Experience Michelangelo's sculptures up close
• Audio guide app in English for historical insights
• Discover ornate tombs and Medici legacy throughout chapels
• Relax without crowds, no rush to see all highlights
• Access to New Sacristy featuring iconic statues by Michelangelo

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and tourists, this skip-the-line tour provides an in-depth exploration of Florence's landmarks through the Medici Chapels. The 2-hour format allows you to admire the Chapel of the Princes, explore Michelangelo’s sculptures, and uncover the legacy of the ruling family while enjoying the unique insights provided by the audio guide app.