Tag: Churches in Florence

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Medici Chapels

The Medici Chapels is attached to the beautiful San Lorenzo church. The chapels were added to commemorate the famous and powerful Medici family. It houses some of the most important sculptures ever completed by Michelangelo.

I am so glad that I decided to stop by the Medici Chapels. It looks relatively unassuming from the outside, however the main chapel is just as majestic as the Medici legacy. The wealth of the Medici’s is beautifully displayed here. It’s full of beautiful Medici family treasures and as well as portraits of the Medici dynasty. The Medici pope’s (Leo’s) red hat and gloves are some of the items on display.

The Medici Chapels is made of two parts. Michaelangelo created the New Sacristy and the much larger Chapel of the Princes is designed by a group of other artists.

The Chapel of the Princes is a breathtakingly massive space. It has an amazing open dome. The various paintings are astounding. The altar of the Chapel of Princes is quite stunning with all of the marble work found there. The Interior of the cupola of the Chapel of Princes is a marvelous work of art also.

However the smaller sacristy housing the beautiful Michelangelo sculptures Dawn and Dusk, Night and Day and Madonna and Child, was most memorable. It is a very calm and extraordinary simple space that was very well executed. Frescoes in the main chapel are stunning.

You can also find the tombs of Old Cosimo, Piero the Gouty, Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Guiliano. There is an unforgettable death mask of Lorenzo the Magnificent, to me it look like he was just sleeping when it was made.

There are doors all around so make sure you find them. One door will bring you to a display of religious relics. Another door will lead to the chapel with three more sarcophagi.

Bronzino’s martyrdom of St. Lawrence is spectacular. Filippo Lippi’s Annunciation is in the Old Sacristy along with two great bronze doors by Donatello. Make sure you go to the basement of the New Sacristy, there are some incredible charcoal drawings by Michelangelo on the walls.

The Medici Chapels are part of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. It is a separate attraction from the church and both require a separate admission fees. The Medici Chapels is completely worth a visit when you are in Florence. [/tab]

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Phone number: +39 055 238 8602

Address: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Florence, Italy

Hours: Monday through Sunday 8:15 am to 4:15 pm

No pictures allowed

Medici chapel is a part of the San Lorenzo church, but there is a separate entrance and a separate admission fee to pay.[/tab][end_tabset]

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Church of Santa Maria Novella Florence

The Church of Santa Maria Novella is located in Florence and is situated across from the Santa Maria Novella Railway Station.

The Church of Santa Maria Novella is a very beautiful church. Before walking inside the church, take some time and admire the beauty of the outside. The exterior is built with rough stones, clad with marble. The façade built by Alberti is amazing. The black and white marble on the facade is used extensively in the interior and is jaw-dropping. Inside the Church of Santa Maria Novella has some fantastic artwork. It includes explanations in English, which is a great bonus.

The main chapel is the Capella Maggiore. It houses the remarkable Crucifix that was done by Giambologna. Alessandro Agolanti made the fascinating stained glass windows on a design by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The Gondi Chapel has the Crucifix of Filippo Brunelleschi, a terrific work of art. The frescoes on the walls behind the altar is stunning, Domenico, David and Benedetto Ghirlandaio made them. The Spanish Chapel is full of amazing art and is delightful to see.

In the Dominican chapel you can find the famous masterpiece Holy Trinity (Massaccio’s Trinita). It is the first painting to use math proportions for a perception of depth. Galileo Galilei the Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher was first denounced here. So there is a lot of significant works and history here.

The Great Cloister now a museum is compelling, it also provides English descriptions of the pre renaissance artwork.

The church then leads out into a pretty courtyard with an impressive side chapel and a separately accessed cloister. There is also an enchanting graveyard.

There is a small shop where you can purchase books, postcards and little religious items. It is located in the main church, surrounded by art and wood paneling.

Church of Santa Maria Novella is too beautiful to miss. I would recommend going if you have the time. It should take about 45 minutes to tour.

The Piazza in front of the church has newly placed benches. The area is alive with activity; it’s a focal point for enjoying the sun and people watching. [/tab]

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Phone number: +39 055 219257

Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Florence, Italy

Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

Friday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm

Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday Closed

Church charges an admission fee (5 Euro), but it is well worth it.

No photography is allowed in the church.[/tab][end_tabset]

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Church Santa Croce

The Church Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is very distinguishing and beautiful. It is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce. The sheer size of Santa Croce is tremendous with the side chapels along the cloisters also filled with great works of art.

Church Santa Croce is the primary Franciscan church in Florence and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the final resting place for many of the most famous Italians of history, such as Michelangelo, Foscolo, Machiavelli, Galileo, Rossini and Gentile. There is also a reserved place for Dante whose tomb is still in Ravenna.

The outside is beautiful and it has a similar style of the Duomo. Before walking inside the Church Santa Croce you will see a big blue six-point star, like Star of David. The reason behind that is the architect Niccolo Matas who designed the facade was Jewish. Near the entrance for this charming basilica is a tall beautiful statue of Dante. He was a major Italian poet of the middle ages. That’s the side where you’ll find the entrance to the church.

As you walk around the interior of the basilica you will notice water marks high on the walls. You can also see that some of the art has water damage that is yet to be repaired. There was a flood in 1966 and the water reached twenty feet in some places.

The entire church has beautiful painting and architectural details throughout from floor to ceiling to treasure. You can get up close to many statues, paintings and stained glass. All of it was just stunning. Cimabue’s Crucifixion and other works of art by Orcangna and Settignano were just enchanting. The della Robbia ceramic work is extraordinary in the Pazzi Chapel; Filippo Brunelleschi designed it.

Around the sides of the basilica are the tombs of the famous artists and statesmen. Seeing the distinctive details adorning the catacombs made this church stand out.

As you leave the Church Santa Croce you walk through the Cloister. Not to be missed are the frescoes of Giotto. The frescoes are jaw dropping beautiful and I could of stayed there for hours just taking them in. The Cloisters are so peaceful. After that you will see the gift shop and then out into the refectory. There’s a beautiful monument to Florence Nightingale, who was born in the city. There is also an adjacent leather school the friars founded to give orphans a chance to learn a trade. They sell purses, coats, wallets and a few other leather items.

Around the vicinity of the beautiful piazza you will find many shops. If you’re interested in local artwork, you will also see many painters and artisans selling their merchandise.[/tab]

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Phone number: +39 055 246 6105

Address: Piazza Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Florence, Italy

Fee entrance 6.5 Euro, 8.5 with the house of Buonarotti. It is surely worth it.

Shoulders and knees have to be covered. They have paper shawls and leg coverings for women who are wearing bare-shouldered blouses or short skirts.[/tab][end_tabset]

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Church of San Lorenzo

Church of San Lorenzo may be the largest and oldest church in Florence. This basilica was the parish church of the powerful Medici family.

The Medici family had the very best sculptors, architects and painters at their disposal to create some beautiful work. It boasts a fortune of illustrious bronze pulpits, amazing frescos and charming chapels.

The unfinished exterior facade designed by Michelangelo is entirely misleading. It’s not the most ornate but stunning nonetheless. However the beauty inside both architecturally and artistically is absolutely breath taking. The interior is glorious with gray and white marble and gold-coffered ceilings.

The most important architecture of that period, Filippo Brunelleschi was hired to redesign the Church of San Lorenzo.

The divine presence will surround you with the exquisite works of their favorite artists, Donatello and Michelangelo. It will intrigue and amaze you. However the highlight of the church interior is the Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi, it is stunning. The Laurentian Library by Michelangelo is unique as is his designs for the Medici tombs. The New Sacristy is magnificent it’s based on Michelangelo’s designs and Medici Chapels.

Church of San Lorenzo contains Michelangelo’s tombs of many prominent members of the Medici family. You will also find Donatello’s tomb here. The entrance is at the far side of the cloister garden.

And Donatello’s last works are here. Two wonderful bronze pulpits with scenes from the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Donatello’s expressive stretch never fails to surprise me. There are a couple of major Mannerist paintings in the church as well. A huge impressive fresco by Bronzino can be found in here also.

The incredibly detailed and opulent Cappella dei Principi containing marbles of every imaginable color and variety is not to be missed. It is a sharp contrast to the Medici tombs, both glamorous in their own different ways.

The Medici Chapels are at the back of the church. It is considered a separate attraction and requires a separate admission fees.

A must visit in Florence. Definitely get the audio tour (tablet) for only two euros. It is very informative and interesting.[/tab]

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Phone number: +39 055 216634

Address: Piazza San Lorenzo, 9, Florence, Italy

Daily 7:00am to 6:30pm

Tours of the Basilica: Monday through Friday 10:00am to 5pm

Holidays 1:30pm to 5:pm[/tab][end_tabset]

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Church of Santo Spirito

Church of Santo Spirito is a must see when visiting Florence. It is situated on the beautiful little piazza Santo Spirito, in the Oltrarno section of Florence. Oltrarno is the neighborhood on the south side of the River Arno. There isn’t a lot of tourist traffic compared to San Lorenzo Church or the Duomo. However those who have visited this beautiful basilica know they have seen a true gem in Florence.

Church of Santo Spirito was the last basilica designed by the most famous architect of the Renaissance, Filippo Brunelleschi. Except for its beautiful and graceful dome the outside it is completely unassuming with a simply unadorned façade. Unfortunately he died and his plans for the facade were never carried out.  I really enjoyed it. It has a feeling more personal and simple.

The Church of Santo Spirito is surprisingly large once you enter its doors with thirty-eight side chapels. You could spend a good amount of time here, going through each of the individual chapels.

There is also some amazing art, by Bernardo Rossellino, Verrocchio, Fillipino Lippi and others. The interior of Church of Santo Spirito is breathtaking as Brunelleschi took the architecture and design to a greater degree of perfection than he did with to San Lorenzo Church. The artwork inside is not to be missed either. The walls are decorated with famous oils. The most memorable for me was the Nerli Chapel. Fillipino Lippi’s most famous works, Madonna and Child with Saints is inside here. This was similar to his other works and that of his father on the subject of the Madonna and Child.

Another wonderful site to see is the main crucifix. It is found in the Barbadori Chapel. It has a sculpted Christ created by Michaelangelo when he was just 17 years old. The wooden crucifix is simply stunning, so lifelike and seems to float from the ceiling. He donated it to the church, in thanks for enabling him to dissect human cadavers. There’s also a statue by Michelangelo of an entirely different character and feel.

I thought the Church of Santo Spirito was a terrific visit, worthy of inclusion in sightseeing on this side of the Arno River. Afterward, you can relax on the piazza at one of the small neighborhood cafes and take in the charm and relaxed history all around you. You can also visit other famous attractions nearby like the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Collectively make a very enjoyable day in the Oltrarno area.[/tab]

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Phone number: +39 055 210030

Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 30, 50125 Florence, Italy

No photos allowed.

Cover up shoulders and knees. [/tab][end_tabset]

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Church of Orsanmichele

Church of Orsanmichele is a ten-minute walk from most attractions in Florence. (Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Repubblica, and Piazza della Signoria)

Church of Orsanmichele itself was once a grain market. However it burnt down in 1304. A painting by Bernando Daddi survived the fire. People saw that as a miracle so they kept coming to pray at the location. The Florentine’s decided to make it into a proper church.

Some of the most magnificent Gothic sculpture is on the façade of the Church. The guilds of the city commissioned sculptures for the niches on the exterior of the building. They would be filled with stunning bronze and marble statues by some of the greatest names in Florentine sculpture: Donatello, Ghiberti, Nanni di Banco and Verrocchio. Today they are excellent replicas of the originals; they are very decorative and artistic. The originals having been removed one by one for restoration. They are now displayed on the first floor of the church, however access is restricted to Mondays. You might notice the sculpture by Donatello’s St George, which is on the most famous pieces is missing. It is now located in the Bargello Palace. I really liked seeing the sculptures of  Saint Stephen and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas was my favorite. He was created by Andrea del Verrocchio (Leonardo di Vinci’s master). Saint Thomas is delicately balanced with his foot held high outside of the niche while he has his hand on Christ’s side.

Church of Orsanmichele is quite beautiful with its chapels. The main altar is a masterpiece and I found it emotionally overwhelming. I spoke to a friendly and informative monk inside this beautiful basilica. He told me where to see the spots where two very important people were buried. One was Amerigo Vespucci (he was one of the early explorers of the New World). You can see where his name is engraved in the marble on the floor. The other famous person buried in the church is Sandro Botticelli (he was a Florentine painter of the Early Renaissance). He is at the very end of the chapel on the floor on the right hand side where a marker with the name Mariano in the marble (Botticelli’s original last name).

I saw an amazing crucifix beaming with bright colors. It was a blue-green crucifix and is terrific rendering of Jesus on the cross. The monk told me that it had been recently refurbished and was now accredited to Giotto. Wait until you see this, it is truly breathtaking.

If you want to see the magnificent fresco of the Last Supper by Ghirlandaio, it is in a separate building next door and is only open Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 9 am until 12 pm.

While I was here the chanting of the monks being heard throughout the church this was a visually and spiritually moving place to be.

The atmosphere in Church of Orsanmichele is very peaceful and not as crowded. For some reason it isn’t a big tourist attraction, however I really think it is worth a visit.[/tab]

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Phone number: 055 284 944

Address: Via dell’Arte della Lana, 50123 Florence, Italy

Hours: Monday through Sunday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Church of Orsanmichele doesn’t ask for an entry fee but it’s always nice to make a donation.

No photos allowed inside and make sure you are covered up properly.[/tab][end_tabset]

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Santa Maria of Carmine Florence

Santa Maria of Carmine Church is in the area called Piazza del Carmine. It is south of River Arno over the Ponte Vecchio (bridge). Go right onto Borgo San Jacopo then straight down a few blocks on the left.

Upon entering the side door at the Santa Maria del Carmine you find yourself visiting the Brancacci Chapel. This place is so special that it is often referred to as ‘the Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance’.

I suggest getting a mini-tablet visual and audio guide. They only charge one Euro for it. It explains each of the twelve frescoes in detail. You hold the tablet and view the screen and listen to the audio on headphones. The video shows in on details in sync with the audio and highlights sections of individual frescoes to explain the numerous images of the same character in a single fresco. It is an excellent way to soak it up in what is a very serene atmosphere.

Three artists created amazing art. First Masaccio and Masolino worked together. Then completed later by Filippino Lippi. They are truly remarkable, with portraits of all three artists within the various panels and background scenes portraying Florentine architecture.

The frescoes that depict the ‘Life of St. Peter’ along with several other scenes, including ‘Baptism of the Neophytes were breathtaking. The amazing fresco of “The Last Supper” is very special too and is in the room adjacent to that chapel.

My favorite is Masaccio because he instituted a realism that catches the eye. He has two sets of paintings of Adam and Eve. One is in the Garden of Paradise. The other was the Expulsion from Paradise. You can feel the agony that Adam and Eve felt by just looking at their expressions in the painting. Unfortunately he died when he was only 26 years old so he wasn’t well known.

These frescos show the birth of Renaissance painting. Remember Michelangelo himself came to study and learn at the Brancacci Chapel. It was well before his work on the famous Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.

The chapel is not crowded and you were allowed to get real close and experience the wonderful colors and expressive human figures.

I recommend visiting Santa Maria of Carmine Church and Brancacci Chapel. These frescos are very important in art history. [/tab]

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Phone number: +39 055 212331

Address: Piazza del Carmine, 50124 Florence, Italy

Hours: Monday through Sunday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Closed on Sunday

Entrance Fee: 6.00 Euro

There is a nice gift shop. [/tab][end_tabset]

 

 

 

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Church San Miniato al Monte

Church San Miniato al Monte is situated on one of the highest points in Florence. The basilica stands atop Mons Fiorentinus (also known as San Miniato Hill). When standing at the front door of this church you will have gorgeous view overlooking the city. It is located a little bit away from the main sights across the river. It is a tiny hike, but well worth seeing this treasure.

As you walk up you can admire the spectacular green and white marble façade that was based on the cladding of the Baptistery.

When walking into the Church San Miniato al Monte the sound of music being played by an organ was quite inviting. The floor was inlayed with marble zodiac symbols of the 13th century. The decorated marble columns and arches are amazing. I thought the large golden mosaic above the altar was stunning. If you look up at the rafters that support the roof, you will notice they are decorated with intricate motifs brought to Western Europe by the Moors. There is some amazing art by Della Robbia, Gaddi and Mechelozzo. My favorite highlight is the sacristy with its Life of St Benedict painted by Spinello Aretino.

The monks all assemble in the crypt down below the chapel, every night at 6:30 for chanting in Latin. It is a magical mystical treat and should not be missed.

When you are finished looking inside this pretty basilica head outside and see the divine and peaceful cemetery.

The monumental Cemetery of the Porta Santa was beautiful and calm. And it is is magical especially towards dusk. Many important Florentines are buried here and you will also find gravestones with photos from WWI. The cemetery is still in use as the final resting place of Florentines. The walls that surround the area were built by Michelangelo and then later reinforced into a fortress by Cosimo de Medici.

I don’t know if it’s the majesty of its location or maybe the feeling of history when you stroll amongst the crypts within the cemetery but I think the church is just perfect in every way. This is one of my favorite churches in Florence.[/tab]

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Phone number: +39 055 234 2731

Address: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Florence, Italy

Hours: Monday through Sunday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, 3:30 to 7:00 pm[/tab][end_tabset]

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Baptistery

The Baptistery is the oldest religious monument in Florence. It is located in Piazza del Duomo. This octagonal building is truly beautiful inside and out. The architecture is lovely outside. The famed doors are incredible and the interior is absolutely stunning.

Take a couple of minutes and pick up the brochure so you get a better understanding of the unique stories the art depicts and the history of the beautiful doors. Ghiberti’s bronze doors (a replica), dubbed “The Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo are not to be missed. The scenes on the doors are magnificent you will appreciate the craftsmanship. Each panel of the door tells a story from the bible. There’s usually a big crowd in front of the doors, so you might have to struggle to see them. However, the original doors are housed in the Duomo Museum so you can go there and really take in the beauty of the famous doors. High above the doors are statues of the Baptism of Christ by Andrea Sansovino and an Angel by Innocenzo Spinazzi.

The domed ceiling is a golden treasure trove of drawings. I would have loved to have lay on my back to stare at the characters that unfolded atop. It shows all of the famous stories of the bible. It begins with Adam and Eve and continues through to Revelation. The longer you sit and take in the amazing art, the more detail you notice. It’s so captivating. In the center is Christ with outstretched arms. His one palm is up for those going to heaven. And his other palm is facing down for those entering the inferno. It is easy to see the connections between Dante’s Inferno and the scenes of hell within. This giant mosaic is a must see when visiting Florence. The richness of color and the depth of meaning is very inspirational, I found it so overwhelming.

Above the altar is a choir of beautiful angels. Before leaving don’t forget to see the stunning carved Roman sarcophagus. The interior of the Baptistery is a testament to Florence being at a crossroads of the Middle Ages with diverse styles and cultures.

The Baptistery is small compared other Churches and to the neighboring Duomo but it’s a must see. [/tab]

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Phone number: +39 055 230 2885

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

Hours: Monday through Saturday: 11:15 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Sunday and the first Saturday of the month: 8.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Entrance Fee: 5,00 Euro[/tab][end_tabset]