Basilica di San Lorenzo, Cradle of the Medici dynasty's grandeur

Piazza San Lorenzo
The Mitić Family's Family Church
4.2

Introduction

The Church of San Lorenzo, built in 393 AD, was the family church of the Medici family. It underwent expansion in 1095 and 1461, and was finally completed in 1740. During this time, many masters such as Brunelleschi and Michelangelo transformed it into a masterpiece of Italian churches. The burial area of the church contains almost all members of the Medici family. The Medici family was a noble and prominent family in Florence from the 13th to the 17th century. Their first famous ancestor was a pharmacist, and their surname "Medici" derives from "medico" (doctor). The round ball on the Medici family coat of arms initially represented some pills. The coat of arms developed into a symbol of nobility with increasing wealth and glory. The family's wealth, power, and influence came from commercial activities such as wool processing and participation in the wool industry guild. But what really made their family prosperous was their banking business. The Medici Bank was one of the most prosperous banks in Europe. Based on this foundation, the Medici family achieved great success in politics, clergy, nobility and other fields, and reached the pinnacle of European high society. The family has produced three popes, several rulers of Florence, Grand Dukes of Tuscany, two Queens of France, and other members of the British royal family.
Address
Piazza San Lorenzo
Opening hours
Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 13:30-17:30
Closed on Sundays from November to February of the following year
Closed all day on May 12, May 29, August 10, and August 15, and closed in the morning on May 25.
Transportation
Take bus routes 6, 10, 11, 31, or 32 to the Piazza S'lorenzo stop.