Church of Saints Michele and Gaetano

The Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano, in Florence

The Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano is one of the finest baroque works of Florence, with an atypical façade. The Florence audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this seventeenth-century sanctuary, an exception in a town dominated by the Renaissance.

The baroque masterpiece of Florence

The Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano, dedicated to Saint Michael and Saint Gaetano, is considered one of the finest baroque works of Florence, a relatively rare style in this town where the Renaissance dominates. Its construction extended from 1604 to 1648, according to the original plans of the architect Bernardo Buontalenti, then taken up by several Italian architects. Its façade, in dark stone, is rather atypical and stands out from the other Florentine churches by its monumental and ornamental character. Inside, the contrast is striking: the church deploys a baroque decor of great richness, with its polychrome marbles, its statues, its sumptuous lateral chapels, its altarpieces and its gildings, which create a solemn and sumptuous atmosphere, typical of the art of the Counter-Reformation. A major sanctuary and a jewel of the Florentine baroque, the Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, one of the finest baroque works of Florence, built from 1604 to 1648 on the plans of Buontalenti, with an atypical dark-stone façade, and its interior with a baroque decor of great richness, polychrome marbles, statues, sumptuous chapels and gildings, typical of the Counter-Reformation. The Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano is a jewel of the Florentine baroque. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano lies in the heart of Florence, near Rue des Tornabuoni, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano remarkable in Florence?

Because it is one of the finest baroque works of Florence, a rare style in this Renaissance town; built from 1604 to 1648 on the plans of Buontalenti, it stands out by its atypical dark-stone façade and its rich baroque interior decor.

Where is the Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano of Florence?

In the heart of Florence, near Rue des Tornabuoni, in Italy.