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Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

18 Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, Firenze, Toscana

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.

Meta review

Not a staple of travel magazines shortlist but well rated by online reviewers, especially those with an inclination for religious art. Most visitors express some surprise at the large size of the complex with the museum/cloister and at the amount of artwork inside. The favourite fresco is unsurprisingly the Spanish Chapel, probably because of its allegorical aspect (as opposed to the others that are focused on religious themes) and the polychrome façade also draws positive comments.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Afternoon only (same as Sunday) on religious holidays. Last ticket sale 1h before closing time.

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

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

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€7.5
Adult
18 - 64
€7.5
Teen & Young
11 - 17
€5
Child
3 - 10
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0

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