Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Located in front of the main station, the Church of Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful structure similar in design to both the Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Croce - Another fine example of Renaissance architecture using multicolored and white marble to accentuate the facade.

Just as Santa Croce is the principal church of the Franciscans, the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella has been the principal church of the Dominican diocese in Florence since 1221.

The interior walls of the church are decorated with frescoes representing the daily life of the inhabitants of Florence during the Middle Ages. The temple's attention to detail is remarkable.

The two main works of art housed in the Basilica are: the Holy Trinity, a fresco by the painter Masaccio, who pioneered his use of mathematical perspective and proportions. The second is Brunelleschi's wooden Crucifix (the artist's only wooden sculpture).

Built and decorated in 1332 by Paolo Ucello, the Green Cloister (Chiostro Verde) contains the Spanish Chapel to the north. Here is the famous fresco by Andrea di Bonaiuto from Florence called Allegory of the Active and Triumphant Church and of the Dominican Order.

The interior of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is very colorful and if you have visited Venice it will remind you of its many churches. In our opinion, Santa Maria is one of the most charming churches in Florence, along with Santa Croce.

Business hours:

October - March

Monday-Thursday: 9am - 5:30pm

Friday: 11am - 5:30pm.

Saturday: 9am to 5:30pm.

Sunday: 1pm to 5:30pm.

April - 6:

Monday - Thursday: 9am to 7pm.

Friday: 11am to 7pm.

Saturday: 9am to 5:30pm.

Sunday: 1pm to 5:30pm.

July - August:

Monday - Thursday: 9am to 7pm.

Friday: 11am to 7pm.

Saturday: 9am to 6:30pm.

Sunday: 12pm to 6:30pm.

September:

Monday - Thursday: 9am to 7pm.

Friday: 11am to 7pm.

Saturday: 9am to 5:30pm.

Sunday: 12pm to 5:30pm.

Fare

Adult: €7.50 (US$8.1)

Children 11 - 18 and over 65: €5 (US$5.4)

Under 11 years old and with reduced mobility: Free

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Nearby attractions

Basilica of Santa Croce

While Florence Cathedral boasts enormous size, the Basilica of Santa Croce is a charming and attractive church.

The Baptistry of St. John

Piazza del Duomo

Located in the heart of Florence, Piazza del Duomo is one of the main squares in the city and has some impressive architecture. This is a great place to start your tour of Florence and from here you can see the magnificent Florence Cathedral, Giotto Bell Tower, St. John and Loggia del Bigallo.

Basilica of San Lorenzo

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of Florence's largest churches, located in the heart of the city's main market, and is the burial place of all the major members of the Medici family from Cosimo il Vecchio to Cosimo III .