Church of Santa Maria Novella Florence
The Church of Santa Maria Novella is located in Florence and is situated across from the Santa Maria Novella Railway Station.
The Church of Santa Maria Novella is a very beautiful church. Before walking inside the church, take some time and admire the beauty of the outside. The exterior is built with rough stones, clad with marble. The façade built by Alberti is amazing. The black and white marble on the facade is used extensively in the interior and is jaw-dropping. Inside the Church of Santa Maria Novella has some fantastic artwork. It includes explanations in English, which is a great bonus.
The main chapel is the Capella Maggiore. It houses the remarkable Crucifix that was done by Giambologna. Alessandro Agolanti made the fascinating stained glass windows on a design by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The Gondi Chapel has the Crucifix of Filippo Brunelleschi, a terrific work of art. The frescoes on the walls behind the altar is stunning, Domenico, David and Benedetto Ghirlandaio made them. The Spanish Chapel is full of amazing art and is delightful to see.
In the Dominican chapel you can find the famous masterpiece Holy Trinity (Massaccio’s Trinita). It is the first painting to use math proportions for a perception of depth. Galileo Galilei the Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher was first denounced here. So there is a lot of significant works and history here.
The Great Cloister now a museum is compelling, it also provides English descriptions of the pre renaissance artwork.
The church then leads out into a pretty courtyard with an impressive side chapel and a separately accessed cloister. There is also an enchanting graveyard.
There is a small shop where you can purchase books, postcards and little religious items. It is located in the main church, surrounded by art and wood paneling.
Church of Santa Maria Novella is too beautiful to miss. I would recommend going if you have the time. It should take about 45 minutes to tour.
The Piazza in front of the church has newly placed benches. The area is alive with activity; it’s a focal point for enjoying the sun and people watching.
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Phone number: +39 055 219257
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Florence, Italy
Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday Closed
Church charges an admission fee (5 Euro), but it is well worth it.
No photography is allowed in the church.
