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Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

Name: Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore
Rating: 4.6

4.6 ·

Step through the plain front of Santa Maria Maggiore, an 11th-century church that surprises once you are inside. Spend fifteen minutes among Roman columns, faded Renaissance frescoes and large old paintings.

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Full description

Santa Maria Maggiore is easy to walk past, with an austere Romanesque-Gothic facade, but reviewers who step in describe a completely different interior. Built in the 11th century, it keeps Gothic additions and frescoes, and visitors single out the salvaged Roman columns and faded Renaissance frescoes alongside some large paintings.

It lacks the Baroque grandeur of the famous churches, which is part of its appeal as a peaceful sanctuary. Entry is free, the visit takes around fifteen minutes, and it suits anyone wanting a quiet look at Florence's older layers.

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Address

Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy · Firenze

Website

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Hours

🎫

Booking

Walk-in

Duration

15 min

Best time

early morning, morning, afternoon or early evening

Intensity

Easy pace

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Good to know

Look for the reused Roman columns and the faded Renaissance frescoes
note the lunchtime break in opening hours
do not judge it by the plain facade, as the interior is quite different.

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Reviews

Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore in Florence is a piece of art. Behind its austere, Romanesque-Gothic facade lies a peaceful sanctuary rich in history. Don't miss the salvaged Roman columns and Brunelleschi’s tomb. It’s a quiet, profound escape from the bustling city crowds. Highly recommended!

Eve Iasi

2/5

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