Basilica di San Lorenzo, Florence Italy

Floor Plan

Basilica di San Lorenzo (Basilica of St. Lawrence) is located in Florence Italy. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and Michelangelo in the Renaissance style of architecture. Construction was completed in 1470 it is one of the finest examples of the new style.

Renaissance Architecture began in Italy in the 14^th century and lasted through the 17^th century. Based on a revival of ancient thought and culture. The style emphasizes symmetry, proportions, and geometry.  Common elements visible in renaissance architecture are the arrangement of columns and pilasters, the use of semicircles, domes and niches.

The basilica di San Lorenzo was commissioned by the Medici family, an affluent family of bankers and tastemakers during the renaissance. The family gained power from the textile guilds of the time. The family had produced three popes, two regent queens of France. They had become powerful politicians during their reign.

Interior

Like many basilica’s, San Lorenzo follows the same basic design. It is cruciform in plan, with a central nave and side aisle. Unlike early roman basilicas, the side aisles at San Lorenzo have been built out to accommodate chapels. The main axis follows a strict “A” “B” “A” pattern. The transept is somewhat peculiar, breaking from the typical basilica. Chapels have been constructed around the transept, breaking the typical form. Furthermore, the chapels around the transept are not connected. The basilica also has a larger chapel on the south-west corner, further breaking the typical form. Despite the oddities, the basilica is still based off the principals of the period. San Lorenzo still follows a strict, yet simple geometric guide and proportions. ^[1]

The exterior of the basilica is somewhat plain. The façade is made up of brick and stone. The main level along the aisle have blind windows while the clerestory has small, arched windows. The front façade is plain brick and stone construction containing three wooden doors entering into the nave and side aisle. There is also a blind window, however this may have been closed over time. There is also a central tower over the transept like in standard basilicas, although there is a bell tower on the north side. The façade also shows the same strict dedication to form and order. Following the same dedications to the new stile. ^[2]

[1] Roth Leland M. and Amanda C. Roth Clark, Understanding Architecutre Its Elements, History, and Meaning, Third Edition Westview Press 2014. P.365

[2] http://www.aviewoncities.com/florence/basilicadisanlorenzo.htm