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 Florentine Baroque |
Piazza Ognissanti Florence 50123 Italy +39 55 239 8700 |
The Church was built in the middle of the thirteenth century and largely reconstructed during the Baroque period. Entering behind the third altar, notice the fresco by Sandro Botticelli of St. Augustine in His Study (1480) and, in the same partition, the second chapel. This belongs to the Vespucci family and contains frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio as well as other frescoes in which one can recognize members of the same family, probably including Amerigo Vespucci. From the cloister next to the church it is possible to enter the Refectory where there is the exemplary fresco by Dominico Ghirlandaio of Last Supper. This church is also the burial site of the great Renaissance artist, Sandro Botticelli. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Badia belltower |
Via del Proconsolo, 3 Florence 50122 Italy |
The Badia belltower is one of the main reference points in the panorama of the city. Under restoration for some time now, the Badia is part of the monastery which was the home of the Benedettini. It was founded in 978 by the mother of a famous Florentine figure, Ugo of Tuscany. The Pandolfini chapel, which is in front of the 15th Century atrium, was restructured on the remains of the previous smaller church of San Stefano. There are lectures of Dante given here in memory of the first public reading by Giovanni Boccaccio of Dante's Divine Comedy which happened in 1373. Inside the Badia, there are two works in particular which should be noted: the marble tomb of the Marquis Ugo of Tuscany (which was made by Mino of Fiesole), and the Apparition of the Madonna to St. Bernard by Filippino Lippi. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fabio Venni  |
 Photo: Luis Manuel Guaida Escontría |
 Photo: Irene Ferrando |
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Roman baptistery |
Piazza San Giovanni Florence 50129 Italy +39 55 230 2885 |
Although the Baptistery's precise origins remain unclear, its foundations are known to date back to Roman times. The central doors are stunning works of art, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament and they have been called The Gates of Paradise. Lorenzo Ghiberti who worked on them from 1403 to 1424 designed these ornate doors. Inside, the octagonal structure is richly decorated with Roman columns and gilded column heads. The floor's marble inlay features Islamic-style patterns and the apse is decorated with 13th-century mosaics. Coppo di Marcovaldo and Cimabue were among those involved in the cupola's decorative mosaic work. Admission: EUR 3. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nick Richards |
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The Last Supper by Franciabigio |
Piazza della Calza, 6 Florence 50125 Italy |
The Calza convent, located near the Porta Romana, has been inhabited by Ingesuati Brothers since its foundation, whose habits were once compared to stockings, calze in Italian, because of their length. Some of the convent can be visited, including the ancient refectory, with a fresco painted by Franciabigio in 1514, depicting the Last Supper. Visits by reservation only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fresco designed by Perugino |
Via Faenza, 42 Florence 50123 Italy |
The refectory is the only part of this vast convent complex which can be visited, that belongs to the Nuns of Foligno, from whom it takes its name. The fresco of the Last Supper seems to be a work by a number of artists who were linked to Perugino to whom the design is attributed. It was realized at the end of the fifteenth century, with a typical Umbrian style, above all in the landscape detail at the top. There are also other frescoes on display here, which were originally located in other parts of the convent, and were made by Bicci di Lorenzo in the first half of the 14th Century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Museum of the Last Supper by Andrea del Sarto |
Via San Salvi, 16 Florence 50135 Italy |
In the antique monastery of Vallombrosiani annexed to the church of San Michele a San Salvi, the Museum of the Last Supper of Andrea del Sarto was built. As well as giving access to the old refectory where the famous fresco by the painter is held, it also shows other works belonging to different eras and places. The Last Supper by Andrea del Sarto, whose painting is reminiscent of Raffaello's style, was painted around 1526-27, while the other frescoes of the same painter in the museum are earlier works. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Castagno's ‘Last Supper' |
Via XXVII Aprile, 1 Florence 50129 Italy |
No doubt inspired by his trip to Venice in 1444, Andrea del Castagno probably painted the Last Supper in the refectory of the former Convent of Sant'Apollonia on his return. The top part of the fresco depicts three scenes from the Passion of Christ: the Crucifixion, Entombment and Resurrection. Now a museum,(opened at the end of the 19th century) the former convent also exhibits other work by the same artist. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Great works by Pontormo |
Via Senese, 206-208r Florence Italy +39 55 204 9217 |
Both architecturally and artistically unique, this monastery commissioned in 1342 by Niccolò Acciaioli, viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples, was originally home to Carthusian monks. Today Cistercian monks (who have lived here since 1958) give visitors a guided tour of the complex's treasures. The tour winds its way through the monastery, taking in the Chiostrino dei Monaci e il Capitolo, a cloister featuring Albertinelli's 1506 work The Crucifixion. Other architectural works, completed in different periods, make up the Certosa complex. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Larsen |
 Photo: bebechan |
 Photo: bebechan |
 Photo: bebechan |
 Photo: Johanna Hopfner |
 Photo: myosotis_65 |
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The monochrome fresco of Andrea del Sarto |
Via Cavour, 69 Florence 50129 Italy |
The cloister was called 'Scalzo' or 'Barefoot' because of the custom of carrying the cross with bare feet in the processions, observed by the Disciples of S. Giovanni Battista. Andrea del Sarto painted the fresco as did Franciabigio in his absence from 1518-19. It was painted from 1507 to 1526 with stories depicting the life of S. Giovanni Battista, the protector of the company. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Britta Hershman |
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In the old garden of Palazzo Torrigiani |
Lungarno Torrigiani, 11 Florence 50125 Italy |
This church, the only Lutheran one in Florence, was built in 1901 in the garden which once belonged to the Torrigiani family. The Palazzo Torrigiani, to which the garden is annexed, was built in the sixteenth century by Baccio d'Agnolo. It is not only the building that has been changed as the garden has been made public, allowing the church to be built. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Decorative bell tower |
Piazza Duomo Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 230 2885 |
Designed by Giotto, the bell tower to the right of Santa Maria del Fiore was begun by the artist in 1334 but continued by Andrea Pisano (who modified part of the design) following Giotto's death in 1337. Francesco Talenti finally completed it in 1359. Originally the tower was linked to the Duomo via a passageway situated at the level of the first cornice but this was demolished before 1437. Reliefs carved on the side where the passageway once existed are later works by Luca della Robbia; Andrea Pisano's original stone reliefs can be seen in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The concepts of universal order and redemption are recurrent themes; hexagonal tiles on the tower's lower level (now replaced by copies) portray scenes from daily human life whilst diamond-shaped reliefs on the upper level illustrate more ethereal subjects in the form of the Planets, Virtue, Liberal Arts and the Sacraments. There's no lift, but climbing the 414 steps to the top of the 85m tower is well worth the effort! Admission: EUR 6. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chelsea Keefer |
 Photo: Owen McConnell |
 Photo: Tim Dobbelaere |
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 Photo: Linda Whang |
 Photo: Eugenia and Julian |
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Church in lively Florentine square |
Piazza Santo Spirito Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 21 0030 |
The church can be found in one of the most lively piazzas in the Oltrarno. The scrolled plaster facade is from the 18th Century, but is only the last phase of the building. The building was started in 1444 by one of the greatest creators of the Renaissance in Florence: Filippo Brunelleschi. Brunelleschi's geometric measurements are visible in the line of perspective that exists in the church's foundation, with its three naves which run down into the transept. The internal perimeter wall is punctuated with apses in which there are aristocratic family chapels which are decorated with architectural motifs, altar pieces or paintings from different periods. Out of the many works, the ones which stand out are the decoration of the Corbinelli Chapel by Andrea Sansovino (1492) in the left transept and in the right transept there is the Altar piece of the Madonna on the Throne with Saints (1493-94) by Filippino Lippi. On the altar there is the wooden crucifix which is attributed to Michelangelo. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antonio Acuña |
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Handiwork of Michelangelo |
Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini Florence, FI Italy +39 55 29 4883 |
The Medici Chapels are historical labors that are as grand in their own way as are the pyramids of Egypt. Started in 1605, these shrines were under construction for centuries. 85 years earlier Michelangelo was tasked to design and build the New Sacristy from one of the Medici cardinals Giulio de' Medici, (remembered in history as Pope Clement VII) dedicated to the memory of Giuliano (Duke of Nemours) and Lorenzo (Duke of Urbino). The bodies of several other Medici family members are interred in the Cappelle Medicee, most notably Lorenzo the Magnificent, Giuliano de' Medici (his brother, killed during the Pazzi Conspiracy of 1478) and all of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Typical of a spiritual leader he was obsessed with the here-after and the creation of these intricate chapels testifies to that. Of artistic note are actual charcoal sketches by Michelangelo's own hand. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Noodlefish |
 Photo: Anuja Byotra |
 Photo: vanhoy |
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Artworks & Orchestras |
Piazza di Santo Stefano Florence 50122 Italy +39 055 223 205 |
Owing the latter part of its name to its proximity to the Ponte Vecchio, Chiesa di Santo Stefano al Ponte was first mentioned in recorded history in 1116 although its Romanesque architecture suggest it is actually much older. A mixture of features such as its Roman façade, Medieval entryway, and altars that date to Renaissance times make visible its long and varied history. Now deconsecrated, the church is home to the Orchestra Regionale Toscana and offers a stunningly authentic acoustic and cultural setting to experience some of Italy's best classical music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Medieval grain market |
Via Calzaiuoli, 15 Florence 50122 Italy |
Compared to other religious buildings from the same period, this fourteenth-century church is somewhat unusual in design. Rectangular in shape, with two naves, it does look more like a grain store, which was in fact how it started out when first built by Francesco Talenti, Neri di Fioravente and Benci di Cione. After the previous grain store built in 1290 by Arnolfo di Cambio was destroyed, its replacement had to be built on a larger scale, enabling it to contain a marketplace. Arches were later closed off and the structure acquired two floors that were used for shops. At the end of the 15th century the building was converted into a church and became a powerful symbol for the city guilds, which met the cost of decorating the niches situated along the outside walls. For this they commissioned several of the most talented artists of the day to produce magnificent pieces of artwork, including Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello, Giambologna, Luca della Robbia and Verrochio. Of particular note are the copies of Donatello's statue of San Giorgio and bas-relief, whose originals are now in the Bargello museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Megan Jorgeson |
 Photo: Manuel F Raposo |
 Photo: Andrea Gietzen |
 Photo: Chrysanthe Tenentes |
 Photo: Manuele Perotti |
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The temple of San Sepolcro |
Via della Spada Florence 50123 Italy |
The small temple of San Sepolcro is at the center of the 14th-century chapel which is annexed to the church of S. Pancrazio, the current home of the museum Marino Marini. It was designed by Giovan Battista Alberti, the architect who was also commissioned to build the family palace. The harmonious proportions of the temple and its antique style make it one of the most important examples of Florentine renaissance architecture. The work was finished in 1467, and was based on the size of the Santo Sepolcro in the Holy Land. The interior frescoes represent the Death and Resurrection of Christ, and Alberti, inspired by the writings that covered the ancient Roman monuments, has inscribed a verse from the Evangelism of St. Mark, dedicated to the Virgin. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marie-France |
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Florence at the beginning of the 20th century |
Via Leone X, 8 Florence 50129 Italy |
The presence of this church is representative of an international and cosmopolitan period in Florence, right at the beginning of the 20th century. The design, which is a square plan with polychrome domes, is the work of two architects, Preobrashenskij and Boccini, who designed it in 1902 to the style of Byzantine orthodox tradition. The interior is sumptuously decorated with icons and paintings by Lolli. The holy liturgy is orthodox and is in the Russian language. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Maurizio Biagiotti |
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Basilica and sanctuary |
Piazza SS. Annunziata Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 239 8034 |
This basilica is also a sanctuary because one of its chapels contains the picture of the Annunciation. According to legend, this appeared on the wall at the time of the Virgin Mary. The devotional chapel was decorated with precious marble columns through the wishes of Piero di Cosimo, the father of Lorenzo the Magnificent. The church is entered from the Piassa SS.Annunziata. At the entrance there is a portico which dates back to the seventeenth century. Past the portico, one enters the Chiostrino dei Voti which is frescoed by Masters of the Florentine school over two centuries: Andrea del Sarto, Franciabigio, Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino. The "Chiostro dei Morti" (Cloister of the Dead) can also be visited on request. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nieos |
 Photo: paula moya |
 Photo: VoronoV |
 Photo: Geert JM Vanderkelen |
 Photo: Alexander Robinson |
 Photo: nieos |
 Photo: Gombási Andrea |
 Photo: Fredrik Alkdal |
 Photo: Lorenzo Batacchi |
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 Photo: Cyril GUICHARD |
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Romanesque Basilica |
Borgo SS. Apostoli, 3 Florence 50123 Italy +39 55 29 0642 |
The architectural history of this church began in the Romanesque period in the 11th Century. The foundation of the Basilica is maintained on the inside, where the space is arranged into three naves divided by green marble columns from Prato, typical of decorative Florentine architecture, and bare columns which come from the ancient Roman baths of the first century. In the side chapels (15th-16th Century) the late baroque decorations are still visible, while at the far end of the left nave there is the Sepulchral Monument of Oddo Altoviti which was made at the beginning of the 16th Century by Benedetto da Rovezzano. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicole McCann |
 Photo: jessiespress |
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Church with works of art |
Piazza S. Felice Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 22 1706 |
It seems that the creator of this fifteenth century facade was Michelozzo but that the structure of the church dates back to the roman period. Inside, the first part of the church is divided into three naves whilst the second has been restored so that the roof trusses are visible as they would have been in the fourteeth and fifteeth centuries. At the far end, in another area designed by Michelozzo, there is the main Chapel in which a wooden crucifix painted by Giotto and his workshop (1307-08) is displayed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Complex of churches in Baroque style. |
Piazza San Firenze Florence 50122 Italy |
The church is part of a complex known as San Firenze, on which work began in 1645 after a commission by Filippini, who recieved the old church of San Fiorenzo as a gift from pope Urban VIII. The building was in the area between Borgo de'Greci and Via dell'Anguillara. The project to actually start building from the church of San Filippo Neri which stood to the left side of the complex was conceived by Pietro da Cortona and carried out by Pier Francesco Silvani. The church with seventeenth and eighteenth century decorations and furniture and facade from 1715 (Ferdinando Ruggieri) recalling the architecture of Buontalenti, are amongst the most significant examples of florentine art of the period. The complex was finished by Zanobi del Rosso who built an oratory in the opposite side of the church with a facade which was symmetrical to that of the church, uniting the two buildings into one block in which he developed the convent with a central courtyard. The Oratory and the monastery building are difficult to visit because at present they are used as the Tribunal offices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Seventeenth century church by Cerruti |
Piazza di Cestello Florence 50124 Italy +39 55 21 5816 |
The cupola of the Cestello stands out in the panorama of the Oltrarno and its bare, unfinished facade is visible from the bank on the other side of the Arno river. The church was built by the architect Cerutti at the end of the 17th Century and completed with the cupola of Antonio Ferri. The church is planned in the shape of a Latin cross with a single nave upon which there are chapels decorated with stucco and frescoes from the 18th century. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Villafuerte |
 Photo: Solveig Bang |
 Photo: Ian W. Smith |
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 Photo: Betty Carbuncle |
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 Photo: Leslie Rodriguez |
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Medici family church |
Piazza San Lorenzo Florence 50123 Italy +39 55 21 6634 |
Encompassing the Biblioteca Laurenziana (the Laurentian Library - one of the most prestigious libraries in Italy) and the Cappelle Medicee, this basilica is a testimony to the political power and patronage of the Medici family. Its origins date back to 393 when St. Ambrose consecrated it in memory of the martyrdom of St. Lawrence. Adorned with fabulous artwork, including the marble Altar of the Sacrament carved by Desiderio da Settignano, the basilica features major artists of the period, including Donatello, Verrocchio, Filippo Lippi and Brunelleschi. This church contains the tombs of many members of the Medici family as well as that of one of their favorite artists, Donatello. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Maurizio Biagiotti |
 Photo: Lyric Kinard |
 Photo: Lauro Snidaro |
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Cosimo the Elder's monastery |
Piazza San Marco, 1 Florence 50121 Italy +39 55 238 8608 |
This complex was enlarged in 1437 by Michelozzo to accommodate Dominican monks who had moved to the city from nearby Fiesole. Traces of frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries remain today, although some parts of the structure were modified during the Counter-Reformation and the facade was finally completed in the 17th century. One of the oldest pieces of artwork on display is the crucifix by an artist whose style is similar to Andrea Orcagna's, while at the far end of the church on the main altar is Fra'Angelico's "Crucifix." Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eugenio Contreras |
 Photo: Eugenio Contreras |
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 Photo: Gene Ko |
 Photo: Graeme Churchard |
 Photo: Nalini Asha |
 Photo: Alberto Alvarez-Pere |
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Romanesque church on the Florentine hills |
Via Monte alle Croci, 34 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 234 2768 |
San Miniato is one of the most striking examples of Florentine Romanesque architecture, characterized by its bicoloured (white and green) marble façade. The altar, pulpit and transept recess feature fine marble décor, while the floor, in keeping with the Romanesque style, is decorated with symbolic ornamental motifs. Halfway along the nave on the left is another chapel, the Cappella del Cardinale Portogallo, which was designed by one of Brunelleschi's pupils, its architectural and decorative style resembles one of Brunelleschi's first creations, the Sagrestia Vecchia (Old Sacristy), which can be seen in San Lorenzo church. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Miles Berry |
 Photo: Melissa Demos |
 Photo: katie mcgowan |
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 Photo: Melissa Demos |
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 Photo: Cristina Jiménez |
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 Photo: Andrea Righi |
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Heritage Building |
Via San Niccolò Florence Italy |
The building already existed in the Romanesque period and was then restructured into a Gothic style and ultimately was rearranged by Giorgio Vasari (16th Century). Following the restoration after the flood of 1966, remains of frescoes from the 15th Century were found. Other decorations and the altars inside all belong to the 17th Century. Admission: Free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: leoplus |
 Photo: Roberto Gaddi |
 Photo: lu.foto |
 Photo: Laura Croci |
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Simple Florentine church |
Via Monte alle Croci Florence 50125 Italy |
The building appears extremely simple. It has a plaster facade which is only animated by tympan windows and by portals. The everyday construction was the work of Cronaca who renewed and enlarged the church at the end of the fifteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth. The church was governed by the Franciscans and was limited to the space which is today known as the big chapel. The interior follows the model of other Florentine churches (eg Santa Maria Maddalena de'Pazzi). It is decorated with paintings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and only a few works remain from the sixteenth century. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rich Green |
 Photo: Scott MacNaughton |
 Photo: Aglaé |
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Old Benedictine church |
Piazza Sant'Ambrogio Florence 50121 Italy |
At the end of the tenth century this was the home of the Benedictines. It was renovated in the Gothic period but it was only in the eighteenth century, with architect Foggini, that substantial modifications were made. The Miracle chapel was built in the fifteenth century and contains a relic (a goblet), inside a marble tabernacle by Mino da Fiesole (1481-83). The miraculous story of this goblet is illustrated in the frescoes by Cosimo Rosselli (c.1486). Many of the famous works of art which once adorned the walls of the church are now kept in the Uffizi gallery (for example "S.Anna" by Masaccio and Masolino), however the splendid altars of the renaissance are still in place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Franciscan basilica |
Piazza Santa Croce Florence 50122 Italy |
The construction of the Basilica of Santa Croce began in 1294. Giotto's frescoes in the chapels at the head of the transept are considered to be some of the finest examples of 14th century painting, while the 19th-century architect Niccolò Matas is responsible for the church's distinctive green and white marble façade. The church contains the tombs of the intellectual, artistic and religious figures from Italy's past, including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Gioacchino Rossini, Galileo and Ugo Foscolo. Although exiled from Florence and buried in Ravenna, Dante, father of the Italian language, is honored with a cenotaph. Admission: EUR 5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bootsintheoven |
 Photo: Kars Alfrink |
 Photo: Robert Emery Smith |
 Photo: Kars Alfrink |
 Photo: Dan Reynolds |
 Photo: Joseph Younis |
 Photo: Martin Belam |
 Photo: Riccardo Bonuccelli |
 Photo: Dan Reynolds |
 Photo: kyle garst |
 Photo: Greg Avila |
 Photo: Donna Aceves |
 Photo: Jason Chong |
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Early Christian church |
Piazza Santa Felicita, 3 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 21 3018 |
The foundations of one of the city's oldest churches date back to the 4th century, when Christianity was in its infancy. Named after Roman martyr St Felicita, the church gradually took shape during the Romanesque period. In the first half of the 18th century Ferdinando Ruggieri made changes to the building, one of which was the inclusion in the structure of the Vasari Corridor that connected the Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. During the reign of Medici successors the Lorraine family, the church was used as a court chapel. Designed by Brunelleschi for the Barbadori family, little of the original structure of the chapel (later known as the Capponi Chapel) remains due to renovation work carried out during the 18th century. It does however contain two sixteenth-century masterpieces - the Deposition and the Annunciation - by Jacopo Carrucci (also known as Pontormo) that were commissioned by Ludovico Capponi. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ettore Timi |
 Photo: Nikola Eftimov |
 Photo: Richard De Lancey |
 Photo: toscanafahrt |
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The Sangallo cloister |
Borgo Pinti, 58 Florence 50121 Italy |
This convent was founded by the Benedictines in the middle of the 13th century. The Carmelites in the 17th century dedicated the church to one of their saints which then assumed that name. The most famous artists of the period such as Perugino, Botticelli and Domenice Ghirlandaio all produced work here that has since left this collection to be preserved in museums all over the world. Inside the church, moving away from the sacristy and crossing other subterranean rooms, we arrive at the famous Crucifixion of the Pilgrim (1493-96), a fresco that decorated the former chapter hall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: B Fenske |
 Photo: Graeme Churchard |
 Photo: Steve Krause |
 Photo: Graeme Churchard |
 Photo: Trevor Skingle |
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Church between station and cathedral |
Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore Florence 50123 Italy |
Founded before 1000 C.E., this church was reconstructed in the 13th Century in Gothic style for the Vallombrosiani family. On entering there is a sober atmosphere which comes from the internal structure with its three naves, broken up into arcades with pointed arches on quadrangular pillars. It was based on the cistercene model from the time of Buontalenti. In the large Chapel, the frescoes contain scenes from Herototus Ordering the Massacre and The Massacre of the Innocents from the end of the 14th Century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Whitney Swiedler |
 Photo: Nikola Eftimov |
 Photo: Pascal Cai |
 Photo: Alyssa Cabrera |
 Photo: Robbie McCown |
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Italian Architecture with Gothic Strains |
Piazza Santa Maria Novella Florence 50123 Italy |
This church was built in 1278 by architects (Fra Sisto and Fra Ristoro) who were part of the Dominican order, the work was carried on by Fra Jacopo Talenti and Fra Giovanni da Campi, and was constructed in a Gothic style. The church still bears evidence of the Gothic style in the lower part of the façade in its avelli (grave niches) with its pointed arches, which are clad in green and white marble these colours are to be found in the upper part of the façade elegant with its classical motifs, designed by Leon Battista Alberti in the 1470s at the request of Giovanni Rucellai (whose name is prominently displayed on the façade). The left side of the façade which leads to thecloisters of Santa Maria Novella. The most important and interesting objects of art are to be found in the chapels of the prized and famous families. The Rucellai chapel is on the right of the church, with a marble sculpture of Madonna and Child by Nino Pisano. The Cappella Bardi is the second on the right and was the resting place of the famous Maestà by Duccio, which is in the room of the Uffizi. The chapel adjacent is that of Filippo Strozzi and is decorated with stories of San Filippo by Filippino Lippi in the 1590s, and sculptures by Benedetto da Maiano. The chapel of Giovanni Tornabuoni has wonderful scenes of political and cultural life of the times with illustrious men, humanists and famous Florentines. The frescoes depict the life of the Madonna and Saint John the Baptist and were created by Domenico Ghirlandaio as well as his young apprentice Michelangelo in 1485-90. After the cappella maggiore is the Cappella Gondi with its wooden cross by Brunelleschi framed by Giuliano da Sangallo's architecture, and the Capella Gaddi encrusted with stones and marble. The Cappella Strozzi is to be found on the left side of the church and is decorated with 14th century frescoes of Heaven, Hell, and Judgment Day by Nardo di Cione, the brother of Orcagna, the author of the altar piece with Cristo risorto (Christ risen), completed in 1347. The sacristy and its furnishings can be seen on the left side of the church as you descend the steps from the Capella Strozzi, you can purchase books and religious objects from here. Finally, you can see the glorious fresco of the Trinity by Masaccio (circa 1427), can be found along the left side of the aisle, this is the fresco of the Madonna, St John and the fresco's patrons, the Lenzi family. Admission: EUR 3. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Repetti |
 Photo: Paul Burani |
 Photo: Paul Burani |
 Photo: Boris Vergote |
 Photo: Natasha Sandmeier |
 Photo: Melissa Demos |
 Photo: Wade Lagrone |
 Photo: Jreese.com |
 Photo: Bill Strouse |
 Photo: Rich Gibson |
 Photo: Francesco Coschino |
 Photo: Jim Malone |
 Photo: Luca Gambetti |
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Renaissance church and chapel |
Piazza del Carmine, 14 Florence 50124 Italy +39 55 21 2331 |
This 2nd-century church is found in the Oltrarno. It was completely destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in the 18th Century by Ruggieri and then Mannaioni. The Brancacci Chapel is the most precious part remaining from the fire. It was frescoed by Masolino and Masaccio beginning in 1424 and was finished by Filippino Lippi after 1480. Inside, two particular scenes frescoed by Masaccio stand out: "The payment of tribute" and the Purge from Paradise. These constitute an example imitated throughout the renaissance, especially in the ways in which naked bodies were studied at close quarters, both in their proportions and in their volumes. The chapel has a separate entrance where a charge is applicable. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nieos |
 Photo: colin houston |
 Photo: Paul Villafuerte |
 Photo: Peter Ferne |
 Photo: Jing Su |
 Photo: Josée |
 Photo: Koen Vandendriessche |
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Near to the Santa Trinita bridge |
Piazza Santa Trinita Florence 50123 Italy |
This building was originally erected in the middle of the 11th Century and after modifications spanning three centuries, the church finally took the form of the plans drawn up by Neri di Fioravante at the end of the 14th century. The façade however was the work of Bernardo Buontalenti. Inside, the only chapel to preserve its original 15th century decorations is the fourth in the right-hand nave. It was Lorenzo Monaco who, between 1420-1425, painted the series of frescoes telling the story of the Virgin Mary and the altar-piece with the Annunciation. The first chapel on the right, in the apse walls, was owned by the Sassetti family who commissioned Domenico Ghirlandio to paint the series of frescoes telling the stories of St Francis of Assisi which depict aspects of 15th century life with particular realism. Ghirlandaio also worked on the altar-piece with the sweet Shepherd's Worship, dated 1485. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fulvia Finelli |
 Photo: Daniele Bassi, Swiss |
 Photo: Dennis M. O'Malley |
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Anglo-Catholic Church |
Via Maggio 16 Florence 50125 Italy +39 055 294 764 http://www.stmarksitaly.com/ |
Built in 1881 on a palazzo thought to have once been owned by the Machiavelli family, this beautiful Anglo-Catholic church is worth checking out. Intricately carved alters, venetian hanging lamps, and the brown watermark left by the flood of 1966 are all of note. From April through November, daily eventing concerts are open to the public, and often feature groups from around the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The temple |
Via Farini, 4 Florence 50121 Italy |
In Moorish style, the architecture of this synagogue, somewhat strange by Florentine standards, attracted the original Sephardim of Florence's Hebrew community. In line with the eclecticism at the end of the 19th century, its architecture also contains Christian elements such as the transept, the apse, the pulpit and the dome (which, with its green copper roof, is one of the city's most visible landmarks.) All the internal walls were decorated between 1882 and 1890 by a local painter: Giovanni Panti, who made use of gold-plating to highlight the Moorish designs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: adam perer |
 Photo: Riccardo Innocenti - |
 Photo: Masha Rumer |
 Photo: Mike Noestheden |
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The Renowned "Duomo" of Florence |
Piazza del Duomo Florence 50122 Italy +39 055294514 |
As the city's skyline symbol, the legendary Duomo is famous above all for its dome: Filippo Brunelleschi's Renaissance masterpiece, completed in 1436, created a double dome shell so that the dome is entirely self-supporting. It still stands as the largest masonry dome in the world, containing over 4,000,000 bricks! Climb to the top (all 463 steps) to get an unforgettable panoramic view of the city which has changed little in the past 500 years. Construction started in 1296 on the site of the Roman basilica of Santa Reparata of which there are still visible remains with a design by the great Florentine architect, Arnolfo di Cambio. The existing neo-Gothic façade was added in the 19th century by Emilio De Fabris. Covering a massive 3,600 square meters, the frescoes inside the dome depict the Last Judgement, painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. For those interested the two frescoes on the left-hand wall of the nave are dedicated to two of the most famous mercenaries in Florentine history who are buried in the cathedral: Giovanni Acuto (the Italianized name of the Englishman Sir John Hawkwood) by Paolo Uccello and the other Niccolò da Tolentino by the great Andrea del Castagno. If you can stand the throngs of people and get a good spot early, come on Easter Sunday for the Scioppo del carro (Explosion of the Cart) where a oxen-drawn cart stuffed with fireworks comes from Prato to the center of the city and ignited. Admission to Church: Free; Admission to climb the cupola: EUR 6. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ken Conley (kwc.org) |
 Photo: Todd Martin |
 Photo: Mary Harrsch |
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