On the right bank of the Arno River sits Santa Maria Novella, a Florentine neighborhood known for its architectural and artistic treasures and the largest green space in the city. Visit Santa Maria Novella to discover ancient churches, study the creative output of Italian masters and go for riverside walks.
Start your visit in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the neighborhood’s main square. This open space dates back to the 13th century and is bordered by bars, restaurants and centuries-old buildings.
At one end of the square is the magnificent Church of Santa Maria Novella. Work on this gothic building started in the middle of the 13th century and was completed about 100 years later. Admire the impressive white marble façade then tour the interior for its frescoed chapels and exceptional works of art by Italian masters such as Giotto and Masaccio. Visit the Museum of Santa Maria Novella, which is part of the church complex and encompasses the Cloister of the Dead.
To one side of the church is the loggia-fronted Hospital of San Paolo. This 13th-century structure is now the home of the Novecento Museum, which is dedicated to 20th-century Italian art.
Walk a few minutes south of the square to discover more artistic gems at the Piazza Ognissanti. It hosts the 13th-century Church of San Salvatore of Ognissanti, a baroque-style building featuring a rich collection of religious art. Among the works is an expansive fresco ofThe Last Supper, painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio in 1480.
Relax and unwind in Parco delle Cascine, a vast park of more than 395 acres (160 hectares) that runs parallel to the Arno River. Stroll or cycle through the green oasis amid cedar trees, holm oaks and white poplars. Picnic in the meadows and take advantage of the sporting facilities such as the soccer field and velodrome. Every Tuesday morning, the park hosts one of the largest markets in Florence. Browse stalls for clothes, seasonal farm produce and more.
To get to the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood from the Duomo and other major Florentine attractions, walk west for less than 10 minutes.
