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36things to do
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Look at the frescoes in the church of Santa Maria Novellain Florence, Italy

#25of 36 things to doin Florence

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In the church, which facade looks more like the mosque amazingly beautiful frescoes are hidden.
How to look at the frescoes in the church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence
From afar, the facade of this beautiful and unusual church, decorated with marble patterns in the form of geometric figures and pointed arches, resembles the eastern temple. It was built in the 13th century on the site of a Dominican chapel. The facade of the temple was ordered by the Ruchelai family to Leon-Battista Alberti architect. Boats with inflated sails - a symbol of the genus Ruchelai - the master placed in a row above the portal.

Inside the church you can find real treasures. For example, the Masaccio fresco "Trinity", located on the left, between the second and third columns. The magnificent altar, often called the chapel of Tornabuoni, painted by Ghirlandaio, who was hired by Giovanni Tornabuoni. Also here you can find the oldest frescos in all Florence.

How to do?

1. Go to the church of Santa Maria Novella, in the historic center of the city near the railway station.
2. Pass through the lattice gates to a small quiet monastery courtyard painted by the great Italians and look into the Spanish chapel created in the XIV century. It retains the delightful frescoes and is also one of the largest rooms with arches, built without pillars.
3. Look at the amazing frescoes of Masaccio, Ghirlandaio and other famous masters.

Where to do?

#17Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in FlorenceBasilica of Santa Maria Novella

In this church, whose facade visually stands out among other buildings in Florence, begins the novel of Boccaccio "The Decameron".

Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
Open hours: 9 am - 5 pm

Reviews

Guest17 January 2026

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