Santa Maria Novella

Started in 1221, Santa Maria Novella is chronologically the oldest great basilica in Florence. It was designed by two Dominican friars, Fra Sisto Fiorentino and Fra Ristoro da Campi. Further work on the basilica continued on commission from Giovanni di Paolo Rucellai who asked Leone Battista Alberti to complete the magnificent facade. The structure is a good example of humanist architecture, with proportion and classically-inspired detailing creating a balance with the pre-existing medieval part of the facade.

The interior of the church contains splendid works of Gothic and early Renaissance art by masters such as Giotto, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Filippino Lippi, Sando Botticelli, Giovanni del Biondo, Brunelleschi, and Michelangelo. The masterpieces in the The Strozzi chapel depict the first tale of the Decamerone by Giovanni Boccaccio, when seven ladies decided to leave the town and flee from the Black Plague to the countryside.

The basilica is open on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Fridays, Sundays, and holidays from 1pm to 5 pm. Admission costs 2.70.