Churches in Florence - The Major Players

With beautiful structure, functioning monastery, herbalist shop, historical cemetery, and unparrelled view over the city of Florence, San Miniato al Monte is undoubtedly one of the most amazing churches in Italy. My personal favorite place to visit while I lived in Florence, this Romanesque church offers so many great things to the people that walk up the hill to see it. Some say that Michelangelo once declared this church the most beautiful of the city, and it's not hard to see why.

If you opt to take the walk up from the city center, you'll pass through some lovely areas, like the San Niccolo neighborhood, and then up the stairs of the "Way of the Cross". It's a bit of a hike, but not too hard if you take your time. Otherwise there are buses that bring up right up to the property (but then there is a big staircase to the doors of the church). The first thing you'll notice is the view from the courtyard over the entire city of Florence and surrounding hillsides which is breathtaking.

Next, here are unending rows on the periphery of the church of the most interesting burial sites imaginable - from miniature temples devoted to families, to burial drawers stacked a couple floors high, to large memorials and sculptures. One of the more famous graves is that of Carlo Colludi, creator of Pinocchio (you can find a map of the grave-sites near the side entrance by the herb shop). This cemetery covers all sides of the church and monastery and one can get lost amongst the interesting sculptures, inscriptions, and views.

The interior of the church is also very unique and offers many layered views into the history of the structure. Built in 1018, the interior chapel looks unfinished in ways, and even has peeling frescos on the walls. The chapel is divided into 3 overlapping levels, and you can descend into the lower level at the front to witness a mass. Notice the columns in this section, as they were all pillaged from Rome and each one is different. Evening vespers are held here where the monks lead a service in Gregorian chant...and out of this world experience not to miss!!

Before leaving, take a look up at the belltower outside....this was once wrapped in mattresses to protect it from the canonballs being launched from the city center during the battle for the Florentine Republic. Also, be sure to stop in the monks' shop out front to browse the homemade homeopathic essential oils, lavender soaps, herbal candies and unique honey varieties - we brought home a jar of cherry blossom unfiltered honey and it was amazing. (You can also buy postcards and books about the church here too).

• http://www.san-miniato-al-monte.com/
• Via del Monte alle Croci/Viale Galileo Galilei
• Bus 12, 13
• Open daily 8am - 7:30pm (Easter - Oct), 8am - 1pm, 2:30pm - 6pm (Oct - Easter)
• Admission is free

As star of the city and iconic domed player in the skyline of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore (Saint Maria of the Flowers) is a must see for any visitor. With a comprehensive array of offerings like climbing Giotto's belltower, exploring the dome, visiting the museum containing the original works of the church, going inside the baptistry, or just stepping inside the cathedral itself, this church is one of the most well-known structures in Tuscany.

Originally designed in 1294 as the third church to be constructed on this site, Santa Maria del Fiore (commonly just referred to as the "Duomo") went through quite a few periods of work and additions before ending at the structure we see today. The Dome was built by Brunelleschi in 1420 and is still Europe's largest circular dome. The marble facade wasn't added until 1887, and is quite spectacular in detail.

Inside, one might be struck by the simple, almost stark, interior. Very cold and open, the stone walls seem like pavement. As in Gothic tradition, the high arches tower above the visitor leading attention upwards towards the heaven. There are a few notable artpieces to see here, from stained glass by Ghiberti, a fresco by Uccello of Sir John Hawkwood, and of course the painting inside the domed ceiling by Vasari. Colorful, and sometimes graphic depictions of judgment day are represented (but for a better look, climb the dome as you'll get to walk on a pathway just inside the ceiling's border).

Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Basilica is such an interesting visit. View the tomb of Brunelleschi, sit and enjoy a mass, and try to put yourself in the place of a Florentine during the Renaissance period. It's a bonus if you happen to be visiting during a holiday or traditional festival in which many celebrations are held here at the church or the piazza!

• http://www.duomofirenze.it/index-eng.htm
• Piazza Duomo
• Open 10am - 5pm (Mon - Thurs), 10am - 3:30pm (Fri), 10am - 4:45pm (Sat), 1:30pm - 4:45pm (Sun)
• Free Admission to enter church (various fees for belltower, baptistry, museum, or dome)

Thinking of how to sum up the amazing things about and within this church is a daunting task. This collection of history and art is rich with so many treasures it's hard to believe that they're all in one location. As the main church of the Franciscan order in Florence, Santa Croce is just blocks from the Duomo in the heart of the city center.

As you approach the marble facade of this striking church, the open piazza of the same name is laid out before you. If you're lucky, there may be a market or festival taking place in the square which is the location for many seasonal happenings. If you're facing the church, the ticket window is around towards the left-hand side of the building...so walk around, pay the fee, and get ready for a treat.

Still the largest Franciscan church in the world, this entire structure, including the grounds behind, courtyard, refectory, bell-tower, cloisters and chapter house. Building began in 1294 but wasn't completed until 1442, and is a wonderful example of Gothic style with open simplicity of a cavernous interior. After taking in the feeling of the space, start looking around the edges at the many famous tombstones and memorials. Michelangelo, Dante (who also stands outside the front doors as a statue overlooking the square), Machiavelli, Galileo, and plenty others.

Works adorn the walls, various naves, and alter from famous artists like Donatello, Bronzino, and Vasari. To see even more works of art, head outside to the courtyard with several interesting sculptures. Check out the cloister built by Brunelleschi, and the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce (Museum of the Works of Santa Croce) mainly located in the refectory. Not only old history, this church is known for more recent history when because of it's close proximity to the Arno River, was severely damaged in the 1966 flood, and you can still see watermarks on the interior walls.

This is, in a way, a one-stop shop to admire works and the gravesites of artists, musicians, architects, scientists, writers, and influential thinkers of the times. Do me a favor, if you're in Florence and are interested in history of the city and great minds - visit Santa Croce.

• Piazza Santa Croce
• Bus: B, 13, 23, 71
• Open 9:30am-5:30pm (Mon-Sat), 1pm-5:30pm (Sun)
• Admission 4euros

Of all of the major churches in Florence, Santa Maria Novella is one of the first to be built. As part of the Dominican order, this church is home to many important structures, not only the main basilica. Just recently the facade and piazza were cleaned and redone, so it's ready for your viewing pleasure - and a pleasure it will be.

Located just across from Florence's main train station by the same name, the Santa Maria Church boasts a grassy piazza that is very open and beautiful with shops and parking areas in the periphery. Designed by Dominican friars, the church was built between 1246 and 1360 in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles and some inspiration from the Classical Greek. One of the defining features (which happens to be my favorite) are the striped archways outlining the side of the church that you pass from the train station to the entrance of the basilica. These stripes carry into the interior arches along the ceiling as well.

The interior is like many basilicas of the time with the crossed layout, high arched ceilings, and pillars throughout. Some of highlighted art pieces of the interior are the stained glass windows of Madonna and Child by Lippi, the pulpit by Brunelleschi (where the first attacks against scientist Galileo were stated), paintings by Masaccio, large Crucifix by Giotto, and frescos by young Michelangelo.

Don't miss the cloisters, or the refectory which houses many liturgical robes and other pieces of original tools and clothing. Just down the street is the public entrance to the herbal pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella which is connected to the gardens to the church out back. Here is where the friars would study medicinal herbs, flowers, and roots for healing properties. Definitely one of the best smelling places in the city!

• http://giubileo.comune.fi.it/musei/smnovella/welcome.html
• Piazza Santa Maria Novella
• Church Open 9am - 5pm (Mon - Thurs), 1pm - 5pm (Fri, Sun); Museum Open 9am - 2pm (Mon-Thurs, Sat), 8am - 1pm (Sun)
• Church Admission 2.50euros; Museum Admission 1.40euros

In the heart of Florence's city center lies on of it's largest structure, the Basilica di San Lorenzo. Home church to the famous local Medici family, San Lorenzo's size is only outdone by its history. Founded in 393, but not built in its current state until 1426, this church is again another example of the design of Brunelleschi (also the designer/architect for several other churches in town including the Duomo).

On the outside, some find the bare, tan stone exterior a little ugly, as a marble facade like most major Florentine churches was never funded, and so even to this day the front lies naked. From the sides one can see the many levels of angled rooftops leading to the red dome pinnacle and large belltower. Sometimes even seeing these is a bit difficult as on all open sides of the church are the streets where the city's largest outdoor market is held, and so vendor stall tents shield much of the view of the church from the street.

As a stunning example of Renaissance design, the interior is very large, open, and almost cold in atmosphere. Lined with arches leading up to the tall ceiling, the side chapels and transepts contain some noteworthy artwork from bronze pulpits by Donatello and an alterpiece by Lippi, to Donatellos grave and numerous tombs of the members of the Medici family.

You can also visit the Biblioteca Laurenziana designed by Michelangelo for free (enter to the left of the church's main entrance). The very fancy Medidi Chapels rich with works of art are located on the back side of the church and is accessed by a separate door (and separate entrance fee). Lines can be long, so reserve ahead.

• Piazza Di San Lorenzo
• Open 10am - 5pm (Mon - Sat)
• Admission 2.50euros