Don’t miss these churches if you want to see the best of what Florence has to offer.
While it might be tempting to check out Cattedrale Di Santa Maria Del Fiore (Florence’s most iconic church) and move on to other attractions, this would be a mistake. The city has over 50 beautiful churches that each have their own unique stories and architecture. Here we’ve included four that shouldn’t be missed if you want to see the best of what Florence has to offer.
Basilica Di Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito, 30, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Across the river, in the Oltrarno district, you’ll find Santo Spirito. Originally an Augustinian convent, it is not as ornate as one might expect from a basilica. It almost looks unfinished, with no marble or pillars adoring the outside. Much like the outside, the inside is not very grand, focusing more on a simple but harmonious design, filled with light.
Basilica Di Santa Croce
Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
While the Duomo is certainly the most eye-catching church in Florence, Santa Croce is the most important. It has a beautiful, marble façade, one of the most impressive in Florence. Inside, you’ll find towering ceilings, and highly decorated tombstones lining the walls. Important Florentines are buried there, such as Machiavelli, Galileo, and Michelangelo.
Basilica Di San Lorenzo
Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Much more rustic than some of the other churches in Florence, this once stood as the official cathedral of Florence. It is said to be the first cathedral in Florence, dating back to the year 393. This was the parish church of the Medici family, and thus you will find them buried here in what is called the Medici Chapels.
Santa Maria Novella
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
A gorgeous, gothic church, Santa Maria Novella is one of the most important churches in Tuscany architecturally speaking. Inside you’ll find a vast space, full of important art that perfectly represents Renaissance patronage of the arts. Make sure to check out the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica, what is said to be the oldest pharmacy in the world.
