Florence's Santa Maria Novella

Across town from Santa Croce in the Piazza which bears its name (as does Florence's main train station also located here) is the magnificent church of Santa Maria Novella.

Called "novella," new, because it was built on the site of a small church outside the city limits called Santa Maria del Vigne (of the vineyards).  The "new" church was begun in the late 10th century.

When St. Dominic sent a small group of Dominican friars to Florence in 1221, it was given to them and soon became a center of learning and culture. The Dominicans' chief role was preaching against heresy and teaching Catholic dogma. They were Inquisitors in later centuries.

Wealthy Florentines contributed vast sums of money and Santa Maria Novella was augmented and re-done many times. For centuries it was also the site of a university that drew students from all over Europe. Dante studied here.

It also played an important role in the cultural life of the city. Many popes and dignitaries were housed here when visiting. Processions and festivals took place in the vast open space in front of the church. And fiery preachers railed against heresy and error, most notably St. Peter Martyr (who was killed by members of the heretical Cathars near Milan in 1252).

The first sermon condemning Galileo for his scientific treatises was preached from the pulpit here.

But these are not the reasons for you to visit Santa Maria Novella today. You will want to see the many famous works of art, including  Masaccio's Trinity, the first painting to incorporate the new ideas of perspective.

(It's easy to see Jesus and God the Father, but hard to find the Holy Spirit. Look closely. What appears to be the collar of the Father's robe is actually a dove, the most common representation of the Spirit).

Santa Maria Novella is a treasure house of art. A guidebook or audio guide (available for a small fee at the entrance) is a good idea.

There are works by Botticelli (a Nativity above the door), Brunelleschi's Crucifix, frescoes by Uccello, Ghilandaio, Nardo di Cione and much more. My favorites are the Ghirlandaio frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel.

The gorgeous frescoes on the right side of the chapel depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.  What I love is that all the figures are dressed as 14th century Florentine ladies and offer a glimpse of life in the Renaissance.

There's so much more I could tell you about this church, about its treasures, gardens, marble facade, but space does not allow. Here's a link to the museum of Santa Maria Novella where you'll find more information and excellent images.

Of course, when you visit, be sure to take time see the nearby Officina Profumo di SMN. Famous for its soaps, perfumes and remedies, it's an unforgettable experience and a great place for gifts.

Both the church and the perfumery are favorites of our clients on Time of Your Life Tours.