Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
1 / 8
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella - by Management
Description
Santa Maria Novella is one of Florence's basilicas (Dominican order) famous for the Gothic and Renaissance frescoes in its chapels and chapter house. It was built in the 13-14th centuries with a white marble façade inlaid with green marble (Prato). The best-known fresco is that by Andrea di Bonaiuto da Firenze in the Spanish Chapel: 'Allegory of the Active and Triumphant Church and of the Dominican order'. Tickets include access to the Museum of Santa Maria Novella, the Cloister of the Dead, the famous Green Cloister, the Spanish Chapel, the Ubriachi Chapel, and the Refectory. Trivia: the armillary sphere and the astronomical quadrant to the south front were used to calculate the discrepancy between the true solar year and the Julian calendar which triggered the promulgation of the new Gregorian calendar in 1582 (jumping forward by 11 days) under Pope Gregory XIII.
Access & Transport
The church is on the eponymous Piazza, 500m west of the cathedral and Battistero di San Giovanni. The 'Unità' tram station (T2) is next to it and the Santa Maria Novella train station is 2mins walk across the Piazza della Stazione.
Instructions & Recommendations
Nearby attractions include the Mercato Centrale, the Basilica di San Lorenzo, the Museo Novecento and the Strozzi Palace.
Environmental & Social
The ongoing environmental footprint is low. Helps maintain the city's cultural and architectural heritages
Conclusion
The wealth of art within Basilica of Santa Maria Novella will delight those keen on religious art and architecture. A real gem.
Key positive
Some exceptional art inside and a beautiful façade
Next to tram and train stations
Key negative
Unattractive neighbourhood by Florence standards
Suitability
No religious denomination restriction but visitors should dress conservatively since it is a church. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday09:30 - 17:30
Tuesday09:30 - 17:30
Wednesday09:30 - 17:30
Thursday09:30 - 17:30
Friday11:00 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 17:30
Sunday13:00 - 17:30