Is there a city as beautiful as Florence? The "birthplace of Renaissance" is a treasure trove of beauties and things to see are
endless. Among these, there are certainly many churches and cathedrals that deserve to be visited at least once in your lifetime. But how can you see them all in a few days? How can you choose the best ones to visit during your short stay?
We have selected the 7 most beautiful churches in the city to help you organize your next tour: discover them all and get ready to discover all the beauties of the center of Florence!
1- The Dome
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was started by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century, while the
Brunelleschi's dome was finished in the fifteenth century. The façade in white, pink and green marble is richly decorated and is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic style. Inside, the left nave hosts three 15th century frescoes made by Domenico da Michelino, Paolo
Uccello and Andrea del Castagno. The dome was frescoed by Vasari with scenes from the Last Judgment: there is nothing better than climbing the stairs inside the dome to admire them from a closer distance! Also, at the end of the numerous stairs you will be rewarded by a splendid panoramic view of the
whole city! Don't forget to visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Campanile of
Giotto, which are two unmissable monuments right next to the Dome.
2- La Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella
This church is one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany. The façade is a beautiful work by Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti. Inside, you will see a magnificent Giotto crucifix, some frescoes
by Ghirlandaio and the famous "Trinità" by Masaccio. If you love Renaissance art, you can't skip this stage!
3- The Church of Santa Croce
The Church of Santa Croce is the burial place of many art, music,
literature and science personalities. Walking along the imposing white marble tombs, you will be overwhelmed reading important names like Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Leon
Battista Alberti and Alfieri. The building was started at the end of the thirteenth century by Arnolfo di Cambio, but the facade remained unfinished
until the nineteenth century, when it was completed using polychrome marble and reproducing the typical Florentine Gothic style. In addition to the famous tombs, the interior of the church houses some frescoes by Giotto and Gaddi, as well as a beautiful crucifix by Donatello. The visit does not end here: you can also visit the cloisters built by Arnolfo di Cambio and Brunelleschi, along with the wonderful Cappella de 'Pazzi decorated by Luca della Robbia and Giuliano
from Maiano. Finally, you will be able to see works such as the Cimabue crucifix inside the Museo dell'Opera. It's a fantastic stop of your tour!
4- The Church of Orsanmichele
The name of this church derives from the union between the names of "San Michele Arcangelo" oratory and the garden from which it was surrounded. In ancient times, there was a building called "Loggia del Grano" (wheat's market) located at the church's place. Actually, you can still spot the drawings of the ancient units of measure and the corridors that connected the warehouses to the market! What immediately catches one's eye in Orsanmichele arecertainly the tabernacles on the façade, decorated by the "Florentine arts" and depicting the patron saint of each guild. They were made by splendid artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Brunelleschi!
5- The Church of Santo Spirito
This church is hidden among the houses on the other side of the Arno river and it presents a very simple look. The original building dates back to the Renaissance, but the interior part was made in the Baroque age. Here, you can find some important works, such as the "Pala Nerli" by Filippino Lippi or a wooden crucifix carved by Michelangelo. The square in front of the church is always lively and crowded, as this is one of Florentine nightlife's main locations!
6- The Church of San Miniato al Monte
The charm of Piazzale Michelangelo is unique and its splendid church makes this place even more splendid! The Cathedral of San Miniato is located in the upper part of the city and is a perfect example of Italian Romanesque style. It presents
a splendid entrance stairway and a magnificent mosaic with a golden background, depicting Christ in
throne. It is one of the most romantic places in the city, where you can enjoy a unique view of the entire center! Don't forget to visit the crypt frescoed by Taddeo Gaddi and the Monumental Cemetery, which is a panoramic location containing tombs of illustrious characters such as Montale, Villari or Stibbert.
7- The Church of San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is perhaps the oldest church of Florence... however, its facade is still unfinished! Its three naves
contain magnificent works by Bronzino, Rosso Fiorentino and Donatello, while the Old and the New Sacristy are two splendid chapels that will leave you breathless. Built by Brunelleschi, they house some tombs of the Medici family and Michelangelo's sculptural decorations. Don't miss them!
Looking for a vacation rental in Florence? Discover about Villa Le Fonti and Villa Ancora, some wonderful properties in the city's surroundings!
© Alice Pilastri
