A Complete Guide to Santa Maria Novella Florence

Florence with its rich Renaissance history and art offers visitors a wide range of artistic treasures that make an impression, whereas Santa Maria de Novella Florence is a testament to the city’s rich heritage among the many monuments that make up this charming city. You will be guided through the intricate beauty of Santa Maria Novella Florence, being among the best Florence attractions, unraveling the history, and cultural significance, in this blog and the art that makes this place a must-visit destination:

History of Santa Maria Novella Florence:

Situated near Florence train station is a Dominican church and complex known as Florence Santa Maria Novella. It was built at the beginning of the 14th century and has been continuously constructed for numerous centuries, bringing together Renaissance and Gothic style architecture, whereas the name of the basilica is given to a neighboring Dominican convent, which was founded in the 13th century.

Architectural Marvels:

You’ll be greeted by an impressively stunning façade that acts as an introduction to the delights that await you within this fascinating Santa Maria Florence. One of the greatest architects of the early Renaissance Leon Battista Alberti designed this masterpiece where the exterior is embellished with green and white marbles, considering the intricate details, such as a rose window and the geometrical patterns over it reflecting the era’s new appreciation for mathematical precision.

The Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella:

The products of the Officina ProfumoFarmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella continue to be produced with ancient recipes, with old-age methods. Moreover, a well-known king created a beautiful scent for his beloved. Originally the masterpiece was called “Acqua della Regina” which means “The Queen’s Water” which proved to be a great success. This perfume was a huge hit in the French royal court and was the first one to incorporate alcohol into perfumes still known as “Acqua di Santa Maria Novella”.

The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella stands as one of the oldest pharmacies globally, situated adjacent to the basilica. Established in the 16th century by Dominican monks, it has been crafting perfumes, medicinal items, and soaps for centuries. Visiting this place will let you experience the ancient techniques and recipes that were preserved in this historic establishment and explore the wonderful scents that are still made here.

The Green Cloister:

Enter the green cloister, a hidden gem that provides a tranquil getaway from the busy city life, just outside the basilica. The serene courtyard encircled by a covered arcade offers a quiet area where guests can ponder the spiritual importance of the surroundings and observe the beauty of the architecture.

The Historical Shop:

Explore the historical shop housed in the former Chapel of San Niccolo, the magnificent green room that previously been housed where the pharmacy’s refreshments were served once, and the Ancient Apothecary which features a stunning architect with images of monks reading and holding books. This museum of Santa Maria Florence has antique books, tools, and other items that are fascinating enough for the tourists, as well as the ceramic vases that were previously used to hold goods and herbs, and a tearoom where you can try out their different teas in a classy setting of ancient times.

Collect Souvenirs:

There is a tempting selection of handmade perfume, candles, skincare products, scents, soaps, potpourris and so much more on display reflecting the beauty of Santa Novella Florence, especially some beautiful souvenirs or gifts for families and friends. There are uniquely curated soaps and candles that have dried flowers in them, they are fascinating to the visitors, and there is Iris perfume as in the hills around Florence, irises grow wild and they’re the flowers that inspired the famous Florentine symbol as well.

Events at Santa Maria Novella Florence:

This place is a functioning church that holds religious values, it's not merely a static monument but it also conducts cultural activities, you can look for schedules of events happening there if you’re looking for more spiritual ways to see the basilica.