Santa Maria Novella in Florence

In the heart of the beautiful Florence there is the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, built by the community of Dominicans (first stone in 1279) who expanded the old religious building of Santa Maria delle Vigne, whose remains were discovered under the present sacristy.

Ended around the mid ‘300, Santa Maria Novella was consecrated only in 1420 by Pope Martin V.

Over the centuries some changes were made compared to the original structure: should be mentioned, in particular, the reshuffles of Vasari (sixteenth century) and those of Romoli between 1858 and 1860.

Further restorations were put in place in 1999 thanks to funds from the Jubilee.

Santa Maria Novella immediately strikes with its marble facade, one of the jewels of the Florentine Renaissance. Although the first intervention date back even to 1350, the work was definitively completed only in 1920.

White and dark green, the facade of the Basilica is divided at the lower part by some small arches. Stands out the wonderful portal of Renaissance-inspiration by Leon Battista Alberti, who was called to complete the facade around the middle of 1400 by combining the previous Gothic structures with the new style.

Entering into the Basilica, you can admire all its magnificence. The Gothic architecture – especially the Cistercian one – is particularly evident in every aspect of the Church. The plan is a “T”, with three naves which in turn are characterized by six large bays that become gradually smaller as they approach the altar: an amazing perspective effect.

Many are the masterpieces housed in Santa Maria Novella: from the Crucifix by Giambologna, to the frescoes by Ghirlandaio, to those by Filippino Lippi located in the Strozzi Chapel (left transept).

In the Gondi Chapel, instead, it’s possible to admire the wooden Crucifix by Brunelleschi, which still remains the only sculpture belonging to the great Florentine architect.

In addition to the beautiful stained glass windows (made between the fourteenth and fifteenth century), and the major pipe organ, Santa Maria Novella hosts three monumental cloisters that will leave you speechless: the Cloister of the Dead, the Green Cloister and the Cappellone degli Spagnoli.

Last step of the visit is Avelli cemetery, where are buried many members of the most important Florentine families.