Churches in Florence: the most famous and the most beautiful to visit

One of Florence's best-known attractions is its heritage of churches and religious monuments. Which ones should you visit if you have a few days to spare and still want to get the most prestigious glimpse of this excellent cultural landscape?

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

A tour of the best Churches in Florence cannot but start with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The Cathedral was started by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century, to be finished in the 15th century with the building of Brunelleschi's dome.

The facade, in white, pink and green marble, is one of the symbols of the city. As you enter, you can admire the extraordinary dome frescoed by Vasari, with scenes from the Last Judgment. Also a visit to the Baptistery of St. John and to Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile) will give you a great view over a dreamy landscape.

Basilica of Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce is another unmissable stop on the tour of the best Churches in Florence. The burial place of many prominent figures in Tuscan culture, this church was built in the late 13th century only to be completed in the 19th century in the typical Florentine Gothic style.

The building houses several frescoes by Giotto and Gaddi, a crucifix by Donatello, cloisters by Arnolfo di Cambio and Brunelleschi, the Cappella de' Pazzi by Luca della Robbia and Giuliano da Maiano, and a crucifix by Cimabue.

Church of Santa Maria Novella

The Church of Santa Maria Novella is one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany. The facade is by Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti, while inside you can admire a wonderful crucifix by Giotto, as well as frescoes by Ghirlandaio and the Trinity by Masaccio.

Church of San Miniato al Monte

The Church of San Miniato al Monte, on Piazzale Michelangelo, is located in the upper part of the city and is a charming Romanesque-style structure. The staircase at the entrance welcomes visitors to a building of great beauty from which you can enjoy an unmissable view of the entire historic center.

Highlights include the gold-ground mosaic of Christ Enthroned, the crypt of Taddeo Gaddi, and the Monumental Cemetery.

Church of San Lorenzo

The Church of San Lorenzo (Saint Lorence) is one of the oldest churches in Florence. Inside the aisles you can admire works by Bronzino, Rosso Fiorentino and Donatello, while the Old and New Sacristy chapels are by Brunelleschi and house some famous tombs, such as those of the Medici family. The sculptural decorations were made by Michelangelo.

Church of Orsanmichele

The Church of Orsanmichele is another landmark on organized tours of Florence's churches. The structure stands where the Loggia del Grano once stood, where the grain market was held. This is why it is still possible to see drawings of ancient units of measurement and the canals that connected the warehouses with the actual market.

The aedicules on the facade, made by some famous artists such as Donatello and Brunelleschi, are simply beautiful.