San Lorenzo Church Tours

San Lorenzo Church which includes heritage architecture, a statue or sculpture and religious elements
San Lorenzo Church which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
San Lorenzo Church featuring street scenes, a city and religious elements
San Lorenzo Church showing a church or cathedral, a city and religious aspects
San Lorenzo Church showing a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture


One of the oldest and largest churches in Florence is also one of the city’s earliest examples of Renaissance design.

Make your way through San Lorenzo Market in Florence’s busiest square to San Lorenzo Church (Basilica di San Lorenzo). The rough-hewn stone façade that you see as you approach belies the artistry and design within. Michelangelo, Donatello and Brunelleschi all made contributions to the design and decoration of the church, which is also the resting place for members of the long-ruling Medici family. This wealthy dynasty funded many of Florence’s Renaissance structures.

The San Lorenzo Church is one of many that lays claim to being the city’s oldest. Consecrated in 393, it was rebuilt over several years from 1419. The architect Brunelleschi was responsible for the original design, and the high arches, Corinthian columns and attention to symmetry are early examples of what later became classical Renaissance style.

Look our for the bronze pulpits in the vast interior. These were Donatello’s last work. The reliefs on them depict scenes from the Resurrection and the life of Christ. To see the work of another Italian master, head to the Laurentian Library (Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana) in one of the church’s cloisters. Michelangelo designed this space, and it’s often heralded as his finest architectural achievement.

Michelangelo was also responsible for the whitewashed walls and domed ceiling of the New Sacristy (Sagrestia Nuova). He designed the Medici tombs within. The tombs feature sculptural figures representing the four times of day. More than 50 members of the Medici family are buried in the grand Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee).

Find the best example of Brunelleschi’s geometric precision in the Old Sacristy (Sagrestia Vecchia) in the north transept. This square, domed area is the oldest part of the church and the only area to have been completed during the architect’s lifetime. On the walls you will see eight reliefs by Donatello depicting the life of St. John the Baptist.

The San Lorenzo Church is open daily, except some national holidays and some Sundays and Mondays. There is a small entry fee, and certain areas, such as the library, incur an extra charge. For operating hours and admission fees, check the website of the Polo Museale Fiorentino (an institution which administers art works).

Browse tours and tickets to explore San Lorenzo Church

Tours & day trips

See all 395 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 70 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 43 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 12 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near San Lorenzo Church

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

4 out of 5
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70 72, Florence, FI
The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini
c-hotels Ambasciatori

c-hotels Ambasciatori

4 out of 5
Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI
c-hotels Ambasciatori
Bernini Palace

Bernini Palace

5 out of 5
Piazza San Firenze 29, Florence, FI
Bernini Palace
 Hotel Calimala Florence

Hotel Calimala Florence

4 out of 5
Via Lamberti 5, Florence, FI
Hotel Calimala Florence
The Social Hub Florence Belfiore

The Social Hub Florence Belfiore

4 out of 5
Viale Belfiore, 55, Florence, FI
The Social Hub Florence Belfiore
Grand Hotel Baglioni

Grand Hotel Baglioni

4 out of 5
Piazza Unita Italiana 6, Florence, FI
Grand Hotel Baglioni
Grand Hotel Cavour

Grand Hotel Cavour

4 out of 5
Via del Proconsolo 3, Florence, FI
Grand Hotel Cavour
Hotel Machiavelli Palace

Hotel Machiavelli Palace

3 out of 5
Via Nazionale 10, Florence, FI
Hotel Machiavelli Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.