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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 19 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Many of Florence’s religious buildings were constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, but few have remained untainted by later additions. During Renaissance times, wealthy families such as the ruling Medicis commissioned the finest artists to fresco family chapels, carve tombs for loved ones, update architectural structures and create bespoke works of art.

Step into any Florentine church today and you’ll find an extraordinary legacy of art treasures by masters such as Giotto, Masaccio, the Lippis and Michelangelo.

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Most of the city’s churches, chapels and monasteries are located within the historic centre which is very compact and best accessed on foot although the small electric buses pass close to many of the main sights.

Always dress appropriately when visiting religious buildings (no sleeveless tops or very short shorts or skirts). Visits are not allowed during mass.

While it is quite possible to work your way around the churches in Florence independently armed with a good guidebook such as An Art Lover’s Guide to Florence by Judith Anne Testa, hiring a private guide or joining a specialised group tour will help focus on the important works and give extra insight.

When to do it

Nowadays, Florence is a year-round destination, but the most crowded months are May to October. To avoid the inevitable long queues for entrance to the Duomo during these months, book your visit in advance. It is also essential to book the Brancacci Chapel in advance.

January and February are the best months to visit to find the churches virtually empty.

Basilica of San Lorenzo
Experience

Basilica of San Lorenzo

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Brunelleschi’s 1420 church of San Lorenzo was commissioned by the Medici, but Michelangelo’s projected façade was left unfinished, hence the rough brick you see today. The classical grey and white interior houses several masterworks including two bronze pulpits by Donatello. Michelangelo’s adjacent Laurentian library is a must-see. Book a private guided tour here.

Best for ages: 18+ | £6

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Basilica of San Miniato al Monte
Experience

Basilica of San Miniato al Monte

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Perched on a hill with spectacular city views, this 1,000-year-old church houses a 13th-century mosaic in the apse, frescoes by Paolo Uccello and an intricate intarsia marble floor featuring zodiac symbols. Catch the Gregorian chant at 5.30pm (4.30pm in winter), then take in the sunset views.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Basilica of Santa Croce
Experience

Basilica of Santa Croce

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Built in 1294, Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan basilica in Italy and is famed for its frescoes by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi chapels. It was the favoured burial place of many past illustrious citizens including  Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Ghiberti and Rossini. Book an entry ticket here, or a private guided tour here.

Best for ages: 18+ | £7

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Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Experience

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Crowned by Alberti’s magnificent, swirling marble façade, this lofty Dominican church with its ranks of striped columns, houses several extraordinary works of art including Masaccio’s seminal Trinità fresco (1424-25), Giotto’s Crucifix (ca. 1300), and frescoes (1485-90) in the Sanctuary. Book a private guided tour here.

Best for ages: 18+ | £6

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Santa Croce Church Tour in Florence

Santa Croce Church Tour in Florence

Florence

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the temple of the Italian Glories • See the burial place of several Florentine and Italian masters • Find frescoes b...

€39 | Rating 4.87 / 5 [41 ratings]

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MEDICI CHAPELS Private Tour in Florence

MEDICI CHAPELS Private Tour in Florence

Florence

Enjoy an insightful private tour of the Medici Chapels – the last home of the famous dynasty that wrote the history of Florence. If you are ...

€79 | Rating 5 / 5 [15 ratings]

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Private Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo Square Guided Visit

Private Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo Square Guided Visit

Florence

Follow your private guide in the fascinating discovery of a unique museum and have a comprehensive visit of the wonderful San Lorenzo square...

€94 | Rating 5 / 5 [7 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

AdAstra

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

An aristocratic mansion set in a magnificent private garden, AdAstra offers 16 beautiful rooms filled with antiques, up-cycled retro pieces and quirky design touches.

Official star rating:

Hotel Continentale Florence

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Cool, edgy Ferragamo-owned design hotel by the Ponte Vecchio in the heart of the city – the perfect base for sightseeing.

Official star rating:

Four Seasons Florence

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

A superb heritage hotel with impeccable facilities and services that occupies a frescoed Renaissance palazzo and former convent. Set in a majestic 11-acre park, 20 minutes from Florence’s historic centre.

Official star rating:

Grand Hotel Minerva

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

A centrally-located 4-star hotel with comfortable modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and rooftop bar which is an unbeatable spot for sunset cocktails.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

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