Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance where architecture, art, and history meet at every corner, has an outstanding religious heritage.
Its churches bear witness to the city’s cultural and spiritual richness, housing frescoes, sculptures, stained glass, and the tombs of famous figures. Several buildings offer a unique experience, from the monumentality of the Duomo to the intimacy of the chapels of Santa Croce or San Miniato al Monte.

Main Churches of Florence

  • Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): The iconic cathedral of Florence, with Brunelleschi’s spectacular dome and Vasari’s Last Judgment frescoes.
  • Santa Croce: The Pantheon of Italian glories, housing the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, along with frescoes by Giotto and his school.
  • San Lorenzo: The main church of the Medici, featuring the Medici Chapels and Michelangelo’s Laurentian Library.
  • Santa Maria Novella: Beautiful Gothic façade and frescoes by Masaccio, Ghirlandaio, and Filippino Lippi, close to the central railway station.
  • San Miniato al Monte: Overlooking Florence with a remarkable panorama, Romanesque façade, and elegant interior decoration.
  • Santo Spirito: Designed by Brunelleschi, renowned for its luminous nave and refined atmosphere, with works by Michelangelo and Filippino Lippi.
  • Orsanmichele: A former grain market transformed into a church, remarkable for its niches decorated with statues of saints by Donatello, Ghiberti, and Verrocchio.
  • Santa Trinita: Gothic church with 15th-century frescoes, notably by the master Sassetta and Domenico Ghirlandaio.
  • San Marco: Known for its convent and the frescoes of Fra Angelico, which decorate the monks’ cells and the convent chapel.
  • Santa Felicita: Located near the Ponte Vecchio, famous for its chapels adorned with frescoes, notably by Pontormo and Bronzino.

Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore
Facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Santa Croce church
Santa Maria Novella in Florence
Santa Maria Novella

FAQ – Churches of Florence

  • Are the entrances to the churches of Florence free? Some churches such as the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), the Basilica of Santa Croce, or the Basilica of San Lorenzo require an entrance ticket or a donation, while others can be visited free of charge, especially to attend Mass.
  • What are the opening hours? In general, churches open in the morning around 9 a.m. and close between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., but hours may vary depending on the season or religious events.
  • Is photography allowed inside? In most churches, photos are permitted without flash, but some chapels or specific works of art may be restricted.
  • Are guided tours available? Yes, many churches offer guided tours or audio guides to better understand their history and art.
  • Do I need to book to visit certain chapels? For very popular sites such as the Medici Chapel or the sacristy of the Duomo, booking is recommended to avoid queues.
  • Can visitors attend a Mass? Yes, most churches welcome visitors during Mass, but it is advisable to remain discreet and respect the sacredness of the place.
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