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The cathedrals of Florence, a city where Renaissance art and architecture come to life
While famous tourist attractions like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery are great, if you take a closer look, you'll discover hidden gems of cultural value. This time, I'll introduce you to a must-see cathedral.
Basilica of Santa Croce, the Pantheon in Florence
Santa Croce, Florence's second-largest cathedral, is located a little outside the city center and attracts relatively few tourists. However, its value makes it a must-see. What makes it so special is that it houses the tombs of Florence's most famous figures.
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Michelangelo Buonarroti: He died in Rome, but was buried in his hometown of Florence according to his will.
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Machiavelli: politician famous for "The Prince"
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Galileo Galilei: The Father of Modern Science
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Dante Alighieri: author of the Divine Comedy (his tomb is in Ravenna, but there is a monument here)
Moreover, the cathedral's interior is filled with works of high artistic value, including frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi, a disciple of Giotto, and sculptures by Donatello. Due to its grand scale, we recommend setting aside at least an hour to view it.
Santa Maria Novella, a site of innovation in perspective
The Santa Maria Novella Basilica is located right in front of Florence train station, making it easily accessible.
Tourists mostly pass by because of the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, but art lovers should definitely take a look inside.
Tourists mostly pass by because of the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, but art lovers should definitely take a look inside.
Here is Masaccio's "Holy Trinity," the first work in Western art history to use mathematical perspective.
It is said that the innovative sense of space that creates the illusion of a hollow wall was a huge shock to people who were accustomed to the flat paintings of the Middle Ages at the time.
It is said that the innovative sense of space that creates the illusion of a hollow wall was a huge shock to people who were accustomed to the flat paintings of the Middle Ages at the time.
Additionally, the museum boasts significant art historical value, with displays including Giotto's Crucifix (symbolizing the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance) and Ghirlandaio's fresco series (depicting the lives of the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist). If you're planning to visit a pharmacy, we recommend allowing about two hours for your visit.
If you were amazed just by looking at these two places?
Did you know there are more cathedrals you shouldn't miss in Florence?
We've introduced places of artistic and historical significance. If you want to truly experience Florence, check out our guidebook! ⬇️⬇️
Florence BEST3 Tours
Chiara, an Italian certified guide, presents the essential Uffizi tour with 53 works.
Florence Duomo Tour (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
Giotto's Campanile, a place where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Florence
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