Santa Maria Novella Basilica

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, in Florence

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is the great Dominican church of Florence, famous for its Renaissance façade in polychrome marbles. The Florence audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this major sanctuary, rich in masterpieces of painting.

The Dominican basilica and its façade by Alberti

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of the most important sanctuaries of Florence and the main church of the Dominicans of the town, located near the station that bears its name. Built from the thirteenth century in the Gothic style, it is famous for its magnificent façade, one of the finest of the Renaissance: covered with white and green polychrome marbles arranged in geometric patterns of perfect harmony, it was designed in the fifteenth century by the great architect and theorist Leon Battista Alberti. Inside, the vast Gothic nave shelters true treasures of art: frescoes by Ghirlandaio, the famous Trinity by Masaccio, one of the first masterpieces of perspective, and a crucifix attributed to Giotto. The basilica also keeps magnificent chapels and cloisters. A major sanctuary and a jewel of art, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the great Gothic Dominican basilica, famous for its magnificent Renaissance façade in white and green polychrome marbles with geometric patterns designed by Alberti, and its interior treasures: the frescoes by Ghirlandaio, the Trinity by Masaccio, a masterpiece of perspective, and a crucifix attributed to Giotto. The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a major sanctuary of Florence. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella lies on the square of the same name, near the station, in the heart of Florence, reachable on foot. A place of worship and monument, it can be visited with respect; the visit follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Who designed the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence?

The great architect and theorist Leon Battista Alberti, in the fifteenth century; its façade in white and green polychrome marbles, arranged in geometric patterns of perfect harmony, is one of the finest of the Renaissance.

Where is the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella of Florence?

On the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, near the station, in the heart of Florence, in Italy.