San Lorenzo

Besides housing one or two spectacular sculptures, San Lorenzo is also a charming church in its own right, with a lovely cloister, a welcome respite from the surrounding tourist chaos. I always find it amazing how quickly it is possible, even in such a frenzied environment as Florence, to so easily retreat into the peace and quiet of any of its churches...with the notable exception of the cathedral. On the down side, it is rather plain from the outside (builders never finished the job) and, my pet hate, tourist scams. I know that the Medici Chapel is a masterpiece, that the basilica alone is worth a visit and the library, magnificent. However, not only do they charge for each one individually, they do not advise you that actually the library is closed today. Refund for that bit then? No chance! OK then, can I come back when it is open? Yes, but you will have to buy a new ticket as that one is only for today.

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