In Florence there are more than 100 churches, which are authentic treasure troves of the city’s art and history.
Here we have selected 5 that are certainly worth a visit.

CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE

This Gothic-style church was built between 1296 and 1436 to a design by Arnolfo di Cambio, Giotto, Francesco Talenti and Filippo Brunelleschi. Dominated by Brunelleschi’s Dome, the largest in masonry ever built, it has an imposing facade in polychrome marble, while the interior is rich in works of art, including the frescoes in the dome by Vasari and Zuccari, the mosaic in the apse by Gaddo Gaddi and the funeral monument of Brunelleschi. Going up the 463 steps that lead to the dome you can enjoy the magnificent panorama of Florence.

For info and tickets: https://duomo.firenze.it/en/home

CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

In Gothic style, it has a characteristic facade created by Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti. Inside, it boasts works such as the Crucifix by Giotto, the Trinity by Masaccio, the frescoes by Ghirlandaio. The Strozzi Chapel dedicated to San Giovanni Evangelista has frescoes by Filippino Lippi. Next to the church stands the Museum with frescoes by Paolo Uccello, the Green Cloister, the chapter house or chapel of the Spaniards and the various frescoes by Bonaiuto.

Info on timetables and tickets: https://www.smn.it/en/

CHURCH OF SANTA CROCE

Built in 1294 by Arnolfo di Cambio, it was dedicated to the Order of the Franciscans. The basilica houses the remains of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Rossini, and Galileo, as well as a monumental tomb of Dante, although his remains are not preserved there. The square hosts the famous Calcio Storico Fiorentino (Historical Florentine Football). The Church has an external facade made of polychrome marble. Notable artworks include Donatello’s Annunciation, as well as frescoes by Giotto and Gaddi.

For all information, please visit: https://www.santacroceopera.it/en/

BASILICA OF SAN LORENZO

The monumental complex of San Lorenzo includes the famous Medici Chapels. Inside, six grand dukes of the Medici family are buried, along with the Chapel of the Princes, featuring its enormous dome adorned by Buontalenti, the statues by Baccio da Montelupo and Montorsoli, the two bronze pulpits, which are Donatello’s last works, the Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi, and Donatello’s 8 pendentives depicting scenes from the apostolic life. The Laurentian Library, with reading desks designed by Michelangelo, is also hosted here.

For more information, please visit: https://sanlorenzofirenze.it/en/

CHURCH OF SANTA MARGHERITA DEI CERCHI

It is called the Church of Dante and Beatrice because it was the setting of the famous encounter between the poet and his muse. Tradition holds that it also houses the remains of members of the Portinari family, Beatrice, and Gemma Donati, Dante’s wife. A painting inside the Church commemorates Beatrice.

The Dante Museum is also located here.