At first glimpse San Lorenzo in Florence seems insignificant. But don’t hurry to leave the place. Behind the plain façade of San Lorenzo there are a lot of precious masterpieces including those which were created by Michelangelo.
Also it’s treated as oldest church in the city. It’s generally accepted that San Lorenzo was built and consecrated in 393 before the fall of Roman Empire. The church was dedicated to the St Lorenzo and to the first Bishop of Florence – St Zino who was buried here.
Before the 7 century, when tomb of St Zeno was transferred to the Santa Raparta, San Lorenzo was a city’s Cathedral. In 1059 San Lorenzo took Romanesque shape. This construction stood untouched next four centuries when four wealthy citizens, including Giovanni de 'Medici, proposed their fund to refurbish it. In this enterprise Giovanni didn’t think only about to be backer; he thought to establish mausoleum for Medici family and enhance their power in Florence.
Three years after Brunelleschi become a head of construction in parallel with his immaculate work on the Cathedral. Construction of old sacristy has been finished shortly before the death of Giovanni de 'Medici in 1429. But soon after, process was slowed because in Florence began the era of political unrest. Situation became exacerbated in 1446 after the death of Brunelleschi.
Construction was resumed after the son of Giovanni – Cosimo Medici – supported it and donated to construction 40 000 florins. To give you idea of how big this sum was let me mention that sum of 150 florins was enough to support sheltered living in Florence.
Assigned as chief master, architect Antonio Manetti quickly had used all funds and in 1460 construction has been ended. Or to be more exact almost finished. Façade of San Lorenzo still not completed. In 1518 Pope Leo ordered Michelangelo to make façade but they didn’t come to consent of what marble should be used. As result it remains unfinished and looks ugly.
Interior of San Lorenzo
When visitor comes to the church, first of all he becomes impressed by the Brunelleschi’s design. Despite the fact that San Lorenzo was one of the first works of Brunelleschi, he already showed here his immaculate talent.
Closest to entrance– is Marriage of the Virgin which was created by Rosso Fiorentino. Next to it magnificent murals of The Martyrdom of St Lawrence. It’s work of Bronzino which has been created in 1569. And don’t miss the bronze pulpits by Donatello which stands alongside. And keep in mind that it was his last work. And that Donatello has been buried here.
And of course the San Lorenzo is a resting place of Cosimo de’ Medici whose tomb stands at the center of the church. Note the inscription which is carved on the tomb’s surface – “Pater Patriae”. It’s title of Roman Emperors by which thankful Florentines had compared Cosimo's governing with Golden Era of ancient Rome.
Also inside the church you can see Roman sarcophagus, nice tabernacle, crucifix by Antonio del Pollaiuolo and many other masterpieces of Florence's art.
