Church of Santa Maria Novella in Italy, resort of Florence
Rating: 8,7/10 (6464 votes)  The Church of Santa Maria Novella is located near the city's central station. The construction of the basilica began in 1246 on the site where the Dominican chapel of Santa Maria delle Vine, dating from the 10th century. In 1279, the naves were completed, and in the XIV century the construction of the sacristy and the bell tower was completed. The current facade of the building was created as a result of alterations carried out in 1456-1470 by the order of Leon Battista Alberti. The architect created an excellent portal and upper part of the church with the rhythm of squares decorated with marble inlay. On three sides, the composition of squares is limited by the heraldic symbols of the Rucellai family. The interior of the basilica was divided into three naves by pylons made in the form of a bundle of columns, supporting huge arches. In the 16th century, the interior of the church was renewed. Currently, the walls of the basilica house many works of art from the XIV – XVI centuries. Of particular note are: The Capella Maggiore also deserves Here is the altar with the Crucifix made of bronze by Giambologna. Sebastiano Mainardi and Domenico Ghirlandaio took part in the decoration of the chapel walls. The Gondi Chapel is the creation of Giuliano da Sangallo. The vault is decorated with frescoes created by by Greek painters in the 13th century. On the altar wall there is the famous Crucifix by Brunelleschi. The altar wall of the Strozzi di Mantova chapel is decorated with a fresco on the theme of the Last Judgment. To the left of the facade, through the lattice gates, you can enter the Romanesque courtyard. Previously, one of the walls in the courtyard was decorated with frescoes on the theme of the Old Testament by Paolo Uccello. Subsequently, the frescoes were transferred to the refectory of the monastery. Santa Maria Novella, along with other attractions in the historic center of Florence, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.   We also recommend reading Basilica of San Miniato al Monte in Italy, resort of Florence Topic: Church of Santa Maria Novella in Italy, resort of Florence. |
