Begun by Brunelleschi in 1420 close to the Palazzo Medici (this was the illustrious family’s parish church and place of burial). Inside, the architect’s break from Gothic tradition and inauguration of the classic Florentine Renaissance style can be seen. Note also work by Donatello – the Old Sacristy and the pulpits in the nave. Just before the attractive 15C cloister, a staircase leads to the Biblioteca Laurenziana (Laurentian Library).