An Astounding Gem Full Of Art To Explore On Vacation In Florence

Florence is famous as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance but had long been an immensely important hub of cultural heritage and artistic production before this period and continues to be one to this day. As a result, there is no shortage of galleries, museums, architectural gems, outdoor sculptural displays, incredible examples of city planning, street art, historic gardens, and much more besides to discover. However, those who find one of our Tuscany Villas or a villa with pool in Florence and begin exploring the city will also notice the endless churches throughout the city. As the Church was the most important and powerful patron in the city for much of its long and rich history, art-filled places of worship and temples to the majestic artistic prowess of the city can be found wherever you turn. While many, many examples are well worth seeing and it would be hard to take them all in, one of the most remarkable that is a must has to be the Church of Santa Trinita.

Located in the heart of Florence, not far from the Palazzo Strozzi and overlooking the square of the same name, the Church of Santa Trinita can be reached by walking towards the Arno along the impossibly elegant and charming via de' Tornabuoni. Known for its stunning architecture, the incredible artworks that adorn is interior, and its rich history, the church was founded in the 11th century by the Vallombrosan monks. Originally its site was just outside the city walls but became incorporated into the city in the 12th century with the addition of a second layer of city walls around Florence. Patronised by some of the wealthiest families, including the Strozzi family and then the Medici family, the church subsequently underwent several renovations and additions in the following centuries until it became the remarkable gem that we see today and that is a highlight for anyone who finds a villa in Florence. 

Initially built in the Romanesque style, the Church of Santa Trinita was enlarged and redecorated in the Gothic style beginning in the 13th century. Great masters were brought in to work on the church, ornate chapels were commissioned by those wealthy families as their resting places, the façade was adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, elaborate fresco cycles were painted on the interior walls, and beautiful stained glass windows were fitted. The current grand façade was actually designed in the 16th century by the Mannerist master Bernardo Buontalenti and the sculptures displayed on the exterior are by Giovanni Caccini.

However, it is inside that one encounters the true scope and wonder of the numerous artists who created masterpieces for the church from the 13th to the 17th centuries. There are paintings, frescoes, and other artworks by the likes of Bicci di Lorenzo, Desiderio da Settignano, Passignano, Luca della Robbia, Barbieri, and Lorenzo Monaco. Cimabue’s Santa Trinita Maestà was also once housed inside the church but is now on display in the Uffizi. The shining star of the artworks on display inside the church, though, is certainly the Sassetti Chapel with its 15th century cycle of frescoes by the famous Renaissance artist, Domenico Ghirlandaio. 

Depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi and scenes of prophecies of Christ’s birth and accompanied by an alterpiece of the Adoration of the Magi also by Ghirlandaio, they are considered among the most important works of art from the period. Commissioned by Francesco Sassetti, a wealthy banker who directed the Medici bank, the works display cameo appearances by several members of the Sassetti family, as well as other contemporaneous figures from around Florence. In stunning jewel tones and playing out theatrically, these scenes by Ghirlandaio are a truly remarkable thing to behold.

So, if you are a proper art-lover, or just want to take in one of the city’s most storied and extraordinary churches, be sure to come and spend some time examining this gem while enjoying a vacation rental in Florence. Wander down the gorgeous via de' Tornabuoni, wonder at the grand exterior of the church, and then set aside a stretch of time to properly appreciate the masterpieces housed inside before heading back out to see more of what the city has to offer and to enjoy your holiday in Tuscany.