Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is of similar stature with Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore as Renaissance icons. In terms of architecture, Brunelleschi's work may be more important, but in terms of artwork contained, this one wins hands down.

We visited the basilica, the museum and the piazza. Beautiful! Construction of this Roman Gothic church took 200 years to complete. Started in 1290 and was consecrated in 1420. It’s amazing to see architecture from the thirteenth-fourteenth century!

An absolutely unforgettable experience. Santa Maria Novella impressed me from the first glance with its elegant marble façade, but the interior is where the real magic begins. The light, the harmony, and the masterpieces — especially Masaccio’s Holy Trinity — create a deep sense of calm and awe. Unlike many crowded attractions, this basilica allows quiet moments of reflection. Take your time, come early if possible, and don’t rush. Santa Maria Novella is not just a place to visit, but a place to feel. Highly recommended.

Its a beautiful church with a museum inside. The church is filled with so many beautiful paintings. Admission is 7.50 euro if im not mistaken but I came during christmas so it was free admission. Located just in front of the S.M. Novella train station, its easily accessible.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence is a masterpiece that blends Gothic architecture with early Renaissance ideals. Founded by the Dominican order in the 13th century, it features a striking marble façade designed by Leon Battista Alberti, harmoniously combining geometric order and classical proportions. Inside, the spacious nave reveals pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and an atmosphere of sober elegance. The basilica houses exceptional artworks, including Masaccio’s Trinity, frescoes by Ghirlandaio, and Giotto’s crucifix. Santa Maria Novella stands as a testament to Florence’s artistic innovation and spiritual life.

Very beautiful church and literally a refuge from the heavy rain when we arrived. The entrance to see the basilica is paid but you get to see all the complex and for the price it was well worth it. No need to buy tickets in advance.

This basilica is a quiet powerhouse of Florentine art and architecture. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by centuries of layered detail—frescoes by Ghirlandaio, Masaccio’s perspective-shifting Trinity, and Giotto’s monumental cross all in one space. It’s less crowded than the Duomo or Uffizi, which makes it easier to take your time and really absorb what’s around you. The cloisters and chapels feel tucked away and personal, perfect for reflection or slow wandering. The blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles is seamless, and the attached monastery adds depth to the visit. Whether you’re into religious history or just want a peaceful break from the city buzz, this place delivers. It’s not just a stop—it’s a full experience.

Stunning building from the outside. But I was a little underwhelmed inside. Apart from the fresco which was the was the highlight.If you want to climb the bell tower or the dome and go down the crypt you have to pay extra. Check well in advance if you want to climb the dome.It does get busy.

Absolutely gorgeous place to visit. Please go inside if you have the chance but if you don't, the exterior is absolutely gorgeous. The areas has a lot of hotels (pretty obviously, since the train station is right across the street, on the back side of the church) and quite a few places to eat and drink. Two wine windows are in the area and my best friends favorite gelato shop, you can see from the square.

This review is merely for the exterior and a bit of the surrounding area. I read that they offer tours inside, but we did not have time for one. This church was near our hotel and I wanted to at least see it as I'd taken an architecture course once in college that covered it. The back of the church is close to the front of the main Florence train station, separated by a wide street with multiple light rail tracks. You need to walk around to the far side (from the station) to see the façade, which is the famous view. There are businesses flanking one side of the church (hotels, restaurants, and other shops). There was some booth set up where people attempted to flag down passing pedestrians (I'm not sure if it was some political thing or they were eventually asking for donations, etc.; we escaped without hearing their pitch). Also around the front of the church there were African guys selling trinkets or attempting to engage tourists to sell something. These guys were fairly common throughout downtown Florence, actually. In front of the church is a large plaza which provides good longer-range unobstructed views for photos. The front of the church is sort of a 'late Gothic transitioning into the Renaissance' style. It is quite striking and worth a short detour on your way to the city center. The best lighting for photos seemed to be in the mid to late afternoon.

A beautiful church right across the street from the train station. I have a press pass so I didn't have to pay to get in, but it's still worth seeing even if you have to pay a little.

This basilica from the 1300's is situated right in front of the main train station - new arrivals can't miss it. The square in front is generally full of tourists, kids running around, the odd pickpocket or two and after dark, a few more unsavory characters. The interior is (as with all Florentine churches) spectacular and packed with art by masters from Florence's golden age. You pay a small admission (€6?) to the surly lady at the front and then you're free to wander. Turn around and look at the fresco over the entry door - it's by Botticelli, maybe you've heard of him. In the nave, one of the must-see works is Massacio's Trinity. The church has many chapels - the Strozzi has Lippi frescoes and the Tornabuoni chapel was decorated by Ghirlandaio (with help from apprentice Michelangelo). The cloisters are open for exploring too - don't miss the Ucello frescoes. When you're done the famed Farmacia Santa Maria Novella, founded by Dominicans in 1221, is just steps away.

Another absolutely gorgeous church just around the corner from the railway station. No photos inside, but then again that isn't all that surprising. However, the gardens outside are beautiful, and inside the artwork and the sculptures are absolutely magnificent. It really isn't all that big of a church, but it is still a marvel to behold. Further more, you don't have to pay anything to go inside, which is also an absolute bonus, and looking around won't take all that much time either. Certainly worth checking out.

Outside of this building is beautiful & there's many place to eat around here. Make sure to visit it.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, located across from the Santa Maria Novella train station, is one of the oldest churches in Florence. This church contains exceptional works of art including Masaccio's Trinità, Ghirlandaio's fresco cycle, and Giotto's Crucifix. Two years ago my husband and I stayed at Hotel Roma; steps away from the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. This church was not at the top of my list of places to visit in Florence due to our limited sightseeing time, but if you are in Florence for a longer visit I would make time to visit this church. The church looks smaller from the outside so I was surprised how large it was when we were walking around the grounds! I'm glad we got the chance to return to Florence and see this magnificent church!

Nice place to visit if you are in the city center. Not a lot to see here in. Comparison to the duomo and it still gets quite crowded because of the location. The square and yards are a very nice add though to see. There are always people walking through the street at all hours since it's close to the train station and a number of pathways across the city. We enjoy this spot all year long! Bottom line..great for a quick convenient tourist stop if you are already by the train station. Expect a small church with small grounds. I would skip if you are short on time and go to the major duomo to see something magnificent. Be careful of the people selling goods nearby but otherwise I've always felt safe walking in the square. Pros Come here if you are close to the area and want a quick stop to see a Firenze church Nice square and gardens Great place for people watching Cons Very busy at all hours Careful of the people selling goods on the street

The Duomo has an iconic exterior and Santa Croce is the final resting place of many greats, but none has an interior that is nearly as beautiful or colorful as Santa Maria Novella! With so many chapels adorned with fresco by many Renaissance masters, this Dominican church cannot be missed before you leave Florence. Besides, it's literally next to the main train station, Santa Maria Novella! Anyway despite its "deceiving" name of Santa Maria Novella - with "novella" meaning new - Basilica di SMN is actually one of Florence's first large basilicas. This church contains not only beautiful artworks by early Renaissance masters like Fra Lippi but also the "new" ones like Vasari and Brunelleschi. After you walk past Giotto's Crucifix, take your time to admire the stunning fresco in its many chapels! If you find the central altar's fresco familiar in its art style, then you are not wrong: the Tornabouni Chapel was drawn by the workshop of Ghirlandaio that includes his young apprentice - Michelangelo. Uffizi is the master art gallery of Renaissance arts collected from various corners; Santa Maria Novella is the "natural setting" where the Renaissance masters created and set their art. With other many beautiful elements like its Spanish Chapel, it's truly a shame to miss this "hidden" treasure even though it's located next to Florence's busiest transport hub. Whether you are flying or riding the train to leave Florence, take a moment to step in Santa Maria Novella. It will be a beautiful conclusion to your wonderful journey of Firenze. --- tl;dr version: 1) Florence's most colorful church interior 2) Most complete fresco collections by many Renaissance masters 3) Conveniently located by its namesake station, making it a great last stop

On day 3, we decided to pick a new area to visit besides the Duomo and Academy/Uffizzi. The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella was recommended highly so we decided to visit in the morning. The crowds would not be so big and easy to walk around. We got there at a reasonable time and the admission was also too at 5 euros per person. Once you pass the open garden at the ticket booth, you will enter into the museum where the Green Cloister is. There you will see the open entrance built in the middle 14th century. The name refers to the preferred color during the fresco cycle of "Stories from Genesis" painted on 3 of 4 sides. You will want to spend a lot of time looking at all the walls in detail. Next to the Green Cloister is the Spanish Chapel which was granted in 1566 to its Spanish community. There you will see frescoes by painter Andrea di Bonaiuto. Further down is the Refractory where Alessandro Allori painted a large mural depicting the "Last Supper". The next section is the Basilica which was completed by Leon Battista Alberti in 1470. Most of the floor is green with white marble and walls have many masterpieces like "Crucifix" by Giotto, "Strozzi di Mantova Chapel" by Nardo/Andrea di Cione, "Tombstone of Fra' Lenoardo Dati" by Lorenzo Ghiberti to name a few. Lastly, there is the Great Cloister named for its wings at 56 bays long. It is home for the Carabinieri Officers' School since 1920. The south walk is next to the famous Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. The east walks is next to the Refectory. Frescos in this outdoor courtyard depicted the life of Christ and members of the community on the pillars. I think this was my favorite area to walk around in the center. There is small gift shop and the end before you exit but this is certainly worth the side trip.

Absolutely beautiful. They enforce the dress code so don't show up showing shoulders or knees. Jesus hates joints apparently. Bring a scarf if it's hot that you can drape over your shoulders. Otherwise they'll give you the blue robe of shame to walk around in.

Entry to the cathedral is free, but the lines can be really long! For 18€ you get a ticket that gives you entrance to all of the attractions near Santa Maria. Get your ticket, make a reservation to climb up through Brunelleschi's dome, and then proceed with all the attractions! It's really beautiful and when you go to the top of the dome you can see a view of all of Florence.

The entry is €5 but it's truly worth it. The church itself is gorgeous and the museum and art are inspiring. Great place for a quiet and low key visit. Great place for religious gifts too! One of my favorite places.

Basilica di santa Novella, less known than others churches in Florence, is yet worth visiting it. Especially for its mural frescoes depicting heaven, hell and purgatory. We are not surprised that the church managed to make believe the less educated persons that it was better to go to heaven. It's true: who wants to live for ever in a dark and morbid atmosphere?

A very interesting cathedral. Active monks residing here make it even more interesting. Notice the marble cladding and the geometric design. The green, red and white color scheme is a homage to peace, hope and charity. Also note the banding in the center, they are stylized sails which was the corporate logo of its biggest supporter who insisted.

Another church in the sea of Italian churches. Perhaps I've just seen too many, but I wasn't impressed with this one. There isn't too much inside, so the €5 fee seems steep. Also, half of the grounds were closed because of construction, so we felt a little ripped off. I guess the frescoes are interesting if you're into that sort of thing. We weren't quite sure what we were looking at most of the time (uneducated tourists, I know) and we breezed through the whole compound in less than 15 minutes. It's not worth €5 per person.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is designed beautifully. Where one side faces the station and the other side to the p.zza de Santa Maria. Alas I was late and could not go in but yet it's a remarkable building from outside as well.

Nick pretty much said it all with his 2010 review but I would add that if you only have time to visit one or two churches in Florence, pick this and either Santa Croce or San Lorenzo. (The Duomo is much more interesting on the outside than it is on the inside.)

BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA On the original site of the Dominican 'Santa Maria delle Vigne', the building of this magnificent church started in the middle of the 13th century, lasting for some hundred years. It is situated opposite the eponymous ;-) train station serving central Florence and stands facing one of the largest piazzas in town. Photo link: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/Textklick/Qype%20pix/47b43907.jpg One in fact that noted translator Longfellow (The Divine Comedy) described as the mecca for foreigners. Photo link: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/Textklick/Qype%20pix/2f27e82e.jpg Once the builders had finished, the 'decorators' moved in and in the main chapel alone, they included names such as: Baccio D'Agnolo Bronzino Giotto di Bondone Tino di Camaino Nardo di Cione Duccio Lorenzo Ghiberti Domenico Ghirlandaio Filippino Lippi Benedetto da Maiano Tommaso Masaccio Nino Pisano Paolo Uccello Giorgio Vasari and Michelangelo. What disappoints me is the fact that photography is not allowed, although that is a reasonable request, given the fact that these magnificent frescoes have survived so long. Unlike paintings, frescoes are a subtle and sensible idea. Apart from anything else, they cannot be stolen (well at least not physically). Photo link: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/Textklick/Qype%20pix/f3914882.jpg Together with the stained glass windows and other masterpieces, they are breathtakingly beautiful. Do visit and when there, also check out the Spanish Gallery in the chapter house. It was closed when we visited (another excuse to visit Florence yet again) and I have it on very good authority that the Spanish Chapel is really worth seeing. See also Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Santa_Maria_Novella

This is an interesting cathedral with beautiful frescoes and stained glass. Access was included with the FirenzeCard. Not sure if I would pay to come here otherwise.