Santa Maria Novella

This church was built in 1278 by architects (Brother Sisto, and Brother Ristoro) who were part of the Dominican order, the work was carried on by Brothers Jacopo Talenti and Giovanni da Campi, and was constructed along Gothic lines. The church still bears evidence of the Gothic style in the lower part of the facade 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 facade elegant with its classical motifs, designed by Leon Battista Alberti in the 1470s at the request of Giovanni Rucellai. The left side of the facade which leads to the cloisters of S. Maria Novella. (an admission fee is charged). 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 Majesty Duccio da Boninsegna, which is in the room of the Uffizi. The chapel adjacent is that of Filippo Strozzi and is decorated with stories of S. 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 and other members of his family, together with Sebastiano Mainarda 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 judgement day by Nardo di Cione, the brother of Orcagna, the author of the altar piece with Cristo risorto (Christ risen) 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 by Masaccio (circa 1427), can be found along the left side of the aisle, this is the fresco of the Madonna, saint John, the kneeling Lenzi couple.

Open: 7a-11:30a,3:30p-6p M-Su Services: 8:30a, 10:30a, noon, 6p Su

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• Attraction Type: Religious Buildings

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