The Church of Santo Spirito in Florence

The Church of Santo Spirito is one of the most important religious monuments in Florence. While Santa Maria Novella is the church of the Dominicans and Santa Croce is that of the Franciscans, Santo Spirito has always been the reference for the Augustinians of Florence.

Built on the remains of a previous church, it was started in 1444 by Filippo Brunelleschi, who also designed the dome, while the bell tower is the work of Baccio d'Agnolo.

After Brunelleschi's death in 1446, the construction site passed into the hands of three followers-Antonio Manetti, Giovanni da Gaiole, and Salvi d'Andrea-who completed the work. The facade that can be admired today is the result of modifications made in the 1700s.

The facade that can be admired today is the result of modifications made in the 1700s.

Santo Spirito takes on the structure of another basilica created by Brunelleschi, that of San Lorenzo, but enlivens the architecture with longer side naves and especially with a centrally positioned dome.

Above the altar is a baroque baldachin created by Giovanni Caccini in collaboration with Gherardo Silvani.

Santo Spirito has 38 side altars where some important works are displayed.

In the transept altar, there is one of the most important works of the basilica: the Madonna with Child and St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, and St. Catherine Martyr by Filippino Lippi.

The Sacristy of Santo Spirito is considered a small gem of the Renaissance.

Preceded by a vestibule built by Sansovino, inspired by the Roman Pantheon, the construction of the Sacristy was started by Giuliano da Sangallo and completed by Antonio del Pollaiolo.

The Sacristy houses a youthful crucifix by Michelangelo, at the center of a decades-long controversy, although everyone now acknowledges the Florentine genius as the author of the work.

Michelangelo lived here, supported by the Medici, after his father's death. As a token of recognition, he donated the crucifix to the church, made when he was 17 years old.

In Piazza Santo Spirito, there is the entrance to the Last Supper of Santo Spirito, decorated with a grand fresco by Andrea Orcagna depicting the Crucifixion and the Last Supper of Christ.

The Last Supper houses a collection of sculptures donated to the Municipality of Florence by Neapolitan antiquarian Salvatore Romano.

Among the most important works are the Caryatid and the Adoring Angel by Tino di Camaino, the Madonna with Child by Jacopo della Quercia, and two bas-reliefs by Donatello featuring St. Prosdocimo and St. Massimo, coming from the Basilica of the Saint in Padua.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 6 PM. Sunday and holidays 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 3 PM - 6 PM. Closed on Wednesday. Ticket price: entrance to the basilica is free, 2 € for a single ticket to the museum path. How to get there: the basilica is located at Piazza di Santo Spirito 30, on the left bank of the Arno.