RESIDENZA DI FIRENZE
EXPLORE
THE AREA
Piazza Santa Maria Novella is one of Florence's most iconic squares, situated in the heart of the city.
Dominated by the stunning Renaissance façade of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, this area is rich in history, art, and culture.
Its central location allows for easy walking access to all of Florence's major attractions, including the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio.
The surrounding area is vibrant, filled with traditional restaurants, historic cafés, and local artisan shops, as well as luxury boutiques along Via Tornabuoni. The square often hosts musicians, fairs, and festivals, many of which celebrate food and local culture.
Experience life like a local by enjoying a good coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at sunset while gazing out the window at the lively square below. This perfect blend of ambiance and accessibility makes it an ideal location for any visitor to Florence.
The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is a stunning example of Gothic architecture located in Florence.
Originally founded by the Dominican Order in the 13th century, the church was completed in the 15th century and is renowned for its remarkable façade, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, which features a striking combination of white, green, and black marble.
Inside, the basilica boasts an impressive collection of art, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Masaccio, Giotto, and Filippino Lippi. The church's interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate chapels, each telling a story of religious significance and artistic brilliance.
Throughout its history, Santa Maria Novella has served as a vital spiritual center for the Dominican Order and the city of Florence. Its rich history and architectural beauty make it one of the most important churches in Florence, attracting countless visitors who come to admire its artistic treasures and historical significance.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella is one of main squares in Florence and one of the most beautiful, making it one of the top attractions in the city.
The piazza was born in 1287 by decree of the Florentine Republic during the years that the Dominican convent and church of Santa Maria Novella was being renewed and enlarged. Right away, the piazza became theater to festivals, tournaments and other contests. The two marble obelisks, each one sitting atop four bronze turtles by Giambologna and topped with a Florentine lily, were the "goal areas" for the "Palio dei Cocchi", a race on chariots similar to the Roman two-horse chariots which started being raced here in 1563.
On the side opposite the church, you'll first notice the Loggia of the San Paolo hospital, built at the beginning of the 13th century. In the second half of the 15th century, the hospital was enlarged given the need there was for hosting pilgrims and taking care of the sick. The arches between each column have round glazed terracotta reliefs of saints by Andrea della Robbia. The lunette shaped relief of The Embrace between St. Dominque and St. Francis over the right portal is also by Andrea della Robbia. The hospital no longer exists today - it is now the home of the Novecento Museum, a museum dedicated to contemporary works of art in Florence from the 19th century to today.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.
Founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221, the year of their arrivaI in Florence, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medications, balms and pomades for the monks' infirmary.
Each Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella product tells a story. For example, the precious Acqua della Regina perfume was originally created for Caterina de 'Medici, the Queen of France, who made it popular throughout France, while the perfume produced by Giovanni Paolo Feminis, who moved to Cologne in Germany in 1725, was named Eau de Cologne in honour of the city in which its producer lived.