Renaissance

Right in the middle of the market district in Florence is the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The basilica is one of the biggest and oldest churches in Florence. The basilica is the first consecrated church in the city, dating back to 393. The church we see today was also the parish church of the all-conquering Medici family. The Medici chapel is in the apse of the basilica. Above all, as well as the markets, are well worth a visit. 

Basilica of San Lorenzo

The basilica was the Medici family’s parish church from the fifteenth century right through to the 1720s. They offered to finance a new church that would replace the 11th-century Romanesque church. In other words, it would showcase their wealth and influence in the city-state.

The Medici’s commissioned the imminent Renaissance architect of the time, Filippo Brunelleschi, to design it.

The church was not completed during Brunelleschi’s lifetime. Of course, there are alterations. The unfinished front facade being the most obvious.

What we see today is a large monastic complex with contributions from other Renaissance artists. These include Brunelleschi’s alterations of the Old Sacristy. Secondly, Donatello’s decoration and sculptures in the sacristy. Michelangelo designed the Laurentian Library and the Newer Sacristy. Some of the techniques used were innovative for the time. Overall they formed the developing style of Renaissance architecture.

Medici Chapel

The two Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) are purpose-built extensions to the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

Michelangelo designed the Sagrestia Nuova, or New Sacristy. The chapel design aimed to compliment Brunelleschi’s Sagrestia Vecchia (Old Sacristy) in the basilica.

The Michelangelo designed monuments in the chapel are dedications to members of the Medici family.

The second chapel, the octagonal-shaped Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes) was completed in the 17th century. The dome of this chapel is 59 metres high and is what can be seen externally from a distance.

Entrance to the chapel is by Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini.

San Lorenzo District

The area around the basilica is known as the central market area for the city. There is an exciting mix of stalls selling clothes, leather goods and souvenirs. Adjacent to the street market is the indoor Central Market or Mercato Centrale.

Inside the market, the ground floor has a great mix of fresh produce stalls. The upstairs area is a reconfigured space designed to be an eating area complete with independent market stalls selling freshly made food (all made on the premises).

There is an excellent mix of Florentine street food and traditional Tuscan food. There is even an enoteca (wine shop) there. I had a great time there choosing a wine then some food and finding somewhere to sit. It is a busy place.