Another of Florence’s churches with masterpieces inside and an admission charge, but another that is worth a visit. The frescoes here, particularly in the sanctuary and the cloisters are lovely. Also, if you’ve studied paintings, you may well know that the first one to use perspective was Masaccio’s Trinita dating back to 1428. You’ll find the painting inside Santa Maria Novella along with Giotto’s Crucifix. Outside the church, the Pizza di Santa Maria Novella is one of Florence’s quieter open spaces and it has modern benches to sit on and ‘people watch’. This is an extract from our free Florence City Guide.
The courtyard inside the walls of Santa Maria Novella, Florence
The complex contains not only the church but also 3 cloisters, the buildings of a former monastery, the gardens and a museum. We were surprised at the sheer number of chapels inside the church too. You’ll find Filippo Strozzi Chapel, Gondi Chapel, Della Pura Chapel, Cappella Strozzi di Mantova, Rucellai Chapel, Bardi Chapel and the Spanish Chapel! All have different striking features and works of art.
The roof line of Santa Maria Novella, Florence
Santa Maria Novella is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm although it opens later on Friday (11am usually). On Sundays, the church opens in the afternoon from 1pm to 5pm. Adult admission is 5 Euros (2011 prices).
Santa Maria Novella at night
Our recommended hotel in Florence, Hotel L’Orologio, overlooks Santa Maria Novella. You can read a full review and see pictures of our stay here.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Santa Maria Novella is located directly across the road from the main railway station in Florence which shares the same name (although this is often abbreviated to SMN).
Address: Church of Santa Maria Novella, Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 50123, Florence, Italy.
Tel: +39 055 282187
MORE ON SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Santa Maria Novella – Wikipedia
Santa Maria Novella – Florence Museums website
Hotel L’Orologio - Our recommended hotel in Florence overlooks Santa Maria Novella
More hotels near Santa Maria Novella – Best price guarantee from Hotel.com
Best of Florence Walking Tour - Top rated tour of Florence sights
More Florence Tours – From our Tours & Activities pages
Florence Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Florence Guide Books – Amazon.com (USA & Canada)
