Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Florence's Dominican Church

Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Firenze, 50123

Nearest Train: ATAF 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 57, 80, A, D

Phone: +39 055 282 187

This church was built in 1278 by architects (Fra Sisto and Fra Ristoro) who were part of the Dominican order, the work was carried on by Fra Jacopo Talenti and Fra Giovanni da Campi, and was constructed in a Gothic style. The church still bears evidence of the Gothic style in the lower part of the façade in its avelli (grave niches) with its pointed arches, which are clad in green and white marble these colours are to be found in the upper part of the façade elegant with its classical motifs, designed by Leon Battista Alberti in the 1470s at the request of Giovanni Rucellai (whose name is prominently displayed on the façade). The left side of the façade which leads to thecloisters of Santa Maria Novella. The most important and interesting objects of art are to be found in the chapels of the prized and famous families. The Rucellai chapel is on the right of the church, with a marble sculpture of Madonna and Child by Nino Pisano. The Cappella Bardi is the second on the right and was the resting place of the famous Maestà by Duccio, which is in the room of the Uffizi. The chapel adjacent is that of Filippo Strozzi and is decorated with stories of San Filippo by Filippino Lippi in the 1590s, and sculptures by Benedetto da Maiano. The chapel of Giovanni Tornabuoni has wonderful scenes of political and cultural life of the times with illustrious men, humanists and famous Florentines. The frescoes depict the life of the Madonna and Saint John the Baptist and were created by Domenico Ghirlandaio as well as his young apprentice Michelangelo in 1485-90. After the cappella maggiore is the Cappella Gondi with its wooden cross by Brunelleschi framed by Giuliano da Sangallo's architecture, and the Capella Gaddi encrusted with stones and marble. The Cappella Strozzi is to be found on the left side of the church and is decorated with 14th century frescoes of Heaven, Hell, and Judgment Day by Nardo di Cione, the brother of Orcagna, the author of the altar piece with Cristo risorto (Christ risen), completed in 1347. The sacristy and its furnishings can be seen on the left side of the church as you descend the steps from the Capella Strozzi, you can purchase books and religious objects from here. Finally, you can see the glorious fresco of the Trinity by Masaccio (circa 1427), can be found along the left side of the aisle, this is the fresco of the Madonna, St John and the fresco's patrons, the Lenzi family. Admission: EUR 3.

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