Churches of Florence: San Lorenzo with Dr. Alessandra Becucci
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Discover Santo Lorenzo, the original cathedral of Florence, elected by the Medici as their family church, where art and history go hand in hand.
First consecrated in 393, San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches in Florence. After serving for three centuries as the Cathedral, San Lorenzo was redesigned by the famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi under the patronage of the wealthy Medici family, wealthy and influential bankers. With an imposing family palace just steps away, The Medici selected San Lorenzo to memorialize their dynasty from the late 1300s through the 1700s, when the family line died out. Enriched by the art of great Renaissance artists such as Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Verrocchio, and thanks to the architectural and sculptural work by Michelangelo, the church became one of the symbols of the Renaissance.
The complex of San Lorenzo includes not only the basilica but also the Medici Chapels, comprised of the Mausoleum of Princes - a spectacularly lavish space decorated in colorful marbles - and the New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo.
Led by Florentine art historian Alessandra Becucci this conversation will take us to the heart of Florence to discover the rich history of its famed churches. Join us in the exploration of San Lorenzo, the Medici church, one of the best expressions of Italian artistic genius ever created.
This conversation is part of a series on the churches of Florence with Alessandra Becucci. Each session is designed as a stand-alone seminar as well as part of the series.
- Churches of Florence: Santa Croce with Alessandra Becucci
- Churches of Florence: Santa Maria Novella with Alessandra Becucci
- Churches of Florence: Santo Spirito with Alessandra Becucci
- Churches of Florence: San Lorenzo with Alessandra Becucci
- Churches of Florence: The Baptistry of Saint John with Dr. Alessandra Becucci
- Churches of Florence: San Miniato with Dr. Alessandra Becucci
- Churches of Florence: The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Dr. Alessandra Becucci
- Churches of Florence: Santa Maria del Carmine and The Brancacci Chapel with Dr. Alessandra Becucci
Born and raised in Florence, Alessandra has a degree in art history from the University of Florence with a specialization in seventeenth-century painting. She obtained an MRes from the European University Institute in Florence, where she defended her Ph.D in history, focusing on the patronage of Tuscan nobility in Europe during the seventeenth century. She has been teaching art history and Italian for several years in various schools and institutions in Florence.
This conversation is suitable for all ages
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
Every one of Dr Becucci's seminars on Florentine churches was excellent, but this one was particularly fine. Superior exposition of the art marked by expert, comprehensive knowledge
As ever, her lecture was full of rich insights, academic and yet accessible. It was wonderful to see places where I’ve stood; I only wish I’d heard Dr. Becucci’s talk before my visits to Florence. But I’ll return some day.
It was outstanding; I think Alessandra is very thorough and you just listen and want to remember everything.
We had an educational and inspirational virtual tour of Florence’s San Lorenzo Church with expert tour guide Dr. Alessandro Becucci....which included the artists and architects that contributed to the building and decoration of this historical church that the wealthy and influential de Medici family made their own. Many secrets and symbols within the church were discussed.
Well worth the virtual trip. I would recommend it to anyone interested in art, history and Florence.