Pazzi Chapel

The Pazzi Chapel is a small Renaissance chapel located in the cloister of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy, and was commissioned by the Pazzi family in the 15th century. The design is traditionally attributed to Filippo Brunelleschi and is valued for its clear geometric proportions, use of pietra serena, and harmonious interior space.

The chapel features a square plan with a central dome and a restrained classical vocabulary applied to pilasters, entablatures, and round-arched openings. Its architectural language exemplifies early Renaissance interest in proportion, clarity, and the revival of classical forms.

Historically it was intended as a chapter house and family chapel for the Pazzi, and today it is visited as part of the Santa Croce complex, which includes the main basilica, cloisters, and other chapels.

• Attribution and date: Attributed to Filippo Brunelleschi and commissioned by the Pazzi family in the 15th century, it is considered an important example of early Renaissance architecture in Florence.
• Visiting context: Located within the Cloister of Santa Croce, the chapel is often visited together with the larger basilica and its conventual spaces rather than as a stand-alone attraction.

What to See #

• Main chapel: The chapel itself, a small square-plan interior capped by a low dome and articulated with pietra serena details and classical proportions.
• Cloister and basilica context: The Pazzi cloister and adjoining parts of the Basilica of Santa Croce complex, which provide the architectural and spiritual setting for the chapel.