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Offered languages
- German
- English
- Italian
- French
- Spanish
Uncover the timeless beauty of the Santa Maria Novella Basilica, one of Florence’s most captivating landmarks. Founded by Dominican friars in the early 13th century, this architectural masterpiece showcases a stunning Renaissance façade. Step inside and be mesmerized by world-renowned artworks, including Giotto’s "Crucifix", Masaccio’s "Trinity". Continue your journey through the peaceful Green Cloister, adorned with murals by Paolo Uccello, painted in striking green tones. This cloister was a place of cultivation, where Dominican monks produced rose water to help disinfect during epidemics. Then, they expanded their botanical knowledge, creating herbal remedies, essences, and medicinal balms. Next, visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, established in 1612. Located within the original Dominican monastery, this historic pharmacy offers an unforgettable sensory experience with its fragrant herbs, exquisite perfumes, and beauty products.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Starting Time: Morning Option at 10:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Maria Novella Basilica
Itinerary
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1
Santa Maria Novella Basilica was founded by the Dominican Fathers at the beginning of 1200 and magnificently stands with its splendid Renaissance façade, in the namesake beautiful square. Inside it, you will have the chance to see masterpieces such as the "Crucifix" by Giotto the "Trinity" by Masaccio and the spectacular frescoes by Filippino Lippi and Ghirlandaio and also hear the story of the "mendicant order" of friars who have always been present in this church. Your tour ends inside the elegant "Green Cloister" so named for its beautiful murals in green earth by Paolo Uccello.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
2
As early as the 14th century the Dominican monks of the Santa Maria Novella monastery, who cultivated the land belonging to the monastery behind the cloisters, were selling rose water to use as a disinfectant, primarily during periods of epidemic. In the 16th century, under the influence of Cosimo I de' Medici and his successors, who took a profound interest in the natural sciences, and with the founding of the first "Giardino dei Semplici” (medicinal plants), the monks began to cultivate a wide variety of plants, distil herbs and flowers and prepare essences, ointments and balms. The current "workshop" at Santa Maria Novella dates back to 1612, a period when apothecaries were plying their trade here, which you will have an opportunity to visit after seeing the Basilica. Here, within the ancient halls that form part of the old Dominican monastery, beneath the vaulted ceilings with their magnificent frescoes and surrounded by the aromatic scent of herbs from the Tuscan countryside, you will be captivated by the irresistible and extraordinary products that are known and acknowledged throughout the world. A real “top must see” amazing place!
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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