The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of Florence’s great Dominican churches, just across from the train station that shares its name. Begun in the late 13th century, it is known for its green-and-white marble facade, completed in the 15th century to a design by Leon Battista Alberti. His classical proportions and sweeping scrolls made it an influential work of Renaissance architecture.
Inside, the basilica offers a remarkable survey of Florentine art. Masaccio’s Trinity is a landmark of linear perspective, while Giotto’s painted crucifix hangs in the nave. In the Tornabuoni Chapel, Domenico Ghirlandaio’s frescoes bring biblical stories to life among the faces and fashions of late 15th-century Florence. Look for the Strozzi Chapel’s vivid visions of heaven and hell, too.
The adjoining cloisters and Spanish Chapel reveal more of the Dominican community that shaped the city’s religious and intellectual life. Santa Maria Novella can feel calmer than Florence’s busiest sights, making it a rewarding place to slow down before returning to the piazza or catching a train.
Check opening hours before visiting, especially on Sundays and religious holidays, when access may change. Dress respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered, and keep your voice low in this active place of worship. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are often quieter; allow extra time for the cloisters and chapel.