The Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence is located in the square bearing the same name, next to the central station of the city. This cathedral, like most other basilicas of Italy, has a rich history. We will talk about this church, architecture and interesting facts in this article.
Basilica history
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Novella in Florence owes its name to an oratorio (Dominican prayer house) of the 9th century, called Santa Maria del Vigne, which was previously located on this site.
In 1221, this territory was transferred to the Dominican Order, after which the monks decided to build a new cathedral, as well as a monastery. The monks of the order, F. S. Fiorentino and F. R. Campi, developed a large-scale project, which was approved, and the builders began the construction of a church and monastery.
In the XIII century, approximately in 1246, construction began, and after 33 years, builders completed the construction of naves (the main supporting structures in the shape of a ship). In 1360, F. Ya. Talenti completed the construction of Sacristy (the altar in Catholicism), as well as the bell tower, which was erected in the Romanesque-Gothic style.
After 60 years, the basilica was consecrated. Such long construction periods are explained by a low level of technology, lack of equipment, as well as irregular financing.
Cathedral in the 15th century
The Church of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, in 1456, it was decided to rebuild. Such a decision was made by the Florentine merchant D.P. Rucellai, who was very wealthy and at the same time very pious. He ordered the project of rebuilding the temple to the architect L. B. Alberti, who subsequently really liked the merchant.
The same architect was engaged in the reconstruction of the basilica. As a result, a beautiful portal was created and the entire upper part of the cathedral was redone, on which square patterns inlaid with black and white marble were created.
The composition, consisting of squares, was limited to the heraldic symbols of the merchant's family. Thus, he wanted to leave a mention of himself as the one who rebuilt the church.
The interior of the cathedral was originally divided into 3 naves, which were supported by pylons. It is this series of columns of large cross section that supports large arches with lancet arches.
The reconstruction was completely completed in 1470, and an inscription in Latin was created on the frieze of the pediment, which refers to the builder of the basilica D.P. Rucellai.
Cathedral Interior
Inside the church of Santa Maria Novella (Florence), the first thing you pay attention to is the simplicity and at the same time, the sophistication of the finish. The Gothic vaulted ceiling is inlaid with white and dark green marble. The rest of the interior resembles most of the classic Gothic temples. Its minimal design is long benches with backs for praying parishioners, large canvases depicting saints, several sculptures of Jesus and St. Mary.
In the center of the main hall is the "Crucifixion" by Giotto, as well as one of the most beautiful altars in all of Florence, striking with their splendor.
Chapels and frescoes of the basilica
In the Cathedral of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, the altar is divided into five chapels (separate rooms) and painted with beautiful frescoes created by the best Italian painters. The chapels of the cathedral have the following names:
- Strozzi of Mantua.
- Strozzi.
- Tornabuoni.
- Della Pura.
- Great Spanish.
In addition to the chapels, the basilica amazes with its magnificent frescoes, on which the painters depicted biblical subjects. The skill of the painters, who worked so diligently that even small details can be seen, is surprising.
In the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (Florence), as in most Catholic churches, stained-glass windows are created instead of windows. They are assembled from a huge number of multi-colored glasses, and when sunlight begins to penetrate through them into the temple, its rays fascinate with its beauty.
"Crucifixion" Bruneleski
Next to the main altar is the sculpture "Crucifixion", which was created by the great Renaissance sculptor Filippo Bruneleski. This work is simply amazing for its realism. The most interesting thing is that this sculpture is carved from wood, and it seems as if it was created from clay or stone.
The "crucifixion" of Christ is distinguished by subtle and realistic outlines of the body. Bruneleski respected all human proportions, given the dynamics of muscle tension. Thanks to this, Christ turned out to be so realistic that it is perceived as real.
Surprisingly, this “Crucifixion” is not canonical, since the sculpture of Jesus was made without a bandage. Another interesting fact: Brunelleschi created his "Crucifixion" after he saw the work of Donatello. He criticized the sculpture of the latter, after which he created his "Crucifixion". Seeing the work of Bruneleski, Donatello recognized it as ideal.
Cathedral Reviews
The reviews of Santa Maria Novella (Florence) speak of an amazing experience while visiting this basilica. It is amazing that this magnificent cathedral was erected several centuries ago. The interior decoration of the basilica is striking in its beauty - both the decoration of walls and arches, and murals.
Particularly admires the multi-colored glow that appears inside the temple after sunlight penetrates the multi-colored glass of stained-glass windows. Also striking is the "Crucifixion", which is made very realistically.
Visitors also like the location of the basilica, it is located on the square, where many beautiful buildings are located.
Opening hours for Santa Maria Novella (Florence) vary depending on the day of the week. Throughout the week you can visit this basilica, absolutely everyone.
- Opening hours of the ancient basilica from Monday to Thursday starts from 9:00 and lasts until 17:30.
- On Friday, the time for excursions is from 11:00 to 17:30.
- On Saturday, the cathedral opens at 9:00 and is open until 17:00.
- Sunday: opening hours - from 13:00 to 17:00.
The price of visiting the basilica is only 3.5 euros (250 rubles), for pensioners and students - 2 euros (150 rubles), for children under five years admission is free.
The general impression of visiting the basilica can be described as a complete admiration for ancient architecture and painting. While in Florence, you must visit this cathedral, which you will definitely enjoy. The positive emotions that you get when you visit this church will remain in your memories for life.