The building of these shrines started in 1605, and they were under construction for centuries. Eighty five years earlier Michelangelo was given the task to design and build the New Sacristy from one of the Medici cardinals, Giulio de’ Medici who is remembered in history as Pope Clement VII. Typical of a spiritual leader he was obsessed with the hereafter and the creation of these intricate chapels testifies to that. It is here you will find actual charcoal sketches by Michelangelo’s own hand.The Medici Chapels are as grand in their own way as are the pyramids of Egypt.