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ByPetra Udomprasert Updated on

The Most Beautiful Churches in Florence You Should Visit

Which of the hundred churches in Florence do you really need to see?

Honestly, at least a dozen of them are worth seeing once in your life. But if you have a limited time, start with this list I gathered from my ten days of intense church-hopping there.

Of course, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (the famous dome of Florence) is the city’s main cathedral and an absolute must.

Basilica Santo Spirito, which I stumbled upon while wandering the neighborhoods of Oltrarno, is another significant. Michelangelo studied anatomy for his arts here!

These seven churches all knocked the socks off me in different ways, so it’s hard to pick a top one.

I’ve included details about each of them that will help you decide which to choose based on what’s important to you. (Even though let’s admit it, we’re all cultural nerds over here.)

Oh, and check this out, I’ll also tell you what other attractions each one is close to, so you can plan your days out as you’re reading!

First, Let’s Talk Church Terminology

What’s the difference between a church, a cathedral, and a basilica?

This post would be a little confusing for non-catholics if we skip this part, wouldn’t it? I’m Buddhist, and I was confused about these things for ages myself!

A church is, well, a church. When a church is called a cathedral, it means that the church serves as the seat of the bishop, so you’ll only see one cathedral for every diocese. A basilica is an important church building that are bestowed special privileges by the Pope.

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I also assumed, for the longest time, that duomo was the Italian word for “dome.” This was oh, so incorrect!

Duomo, in fact, derives from the Latin word “domus dei” or “house of god.” It refers to the main cathedral in a city, quite like the word “cattedrale” but less specific to catholicism.

The real Italian word for the dome structure is “cupola.”

Interior view of the Medici Chapel in Florence, featuring a richly decorated altar, multicolored marble walls, arched windows, and a domed ceiling with a vivid fresco. This ornate Renaissance space is one of the most iconic churches in Florence.

My Favorite Churches in Florence

Full disclaimer, I did not visit every church in Florence. That would be impossible, as there are between 70 to 100, and I only had less than two weeks there.

However, I did spend a couple of days “church-hopping” and thoroughly enjoyed discovering the less-frequented hidden gems, some of which ended up on this list.

To avoid sounding too much like the dozen other bloggers you’re probably reading tonight, I’ll rank my favorite churches from the least known first, down to the most famous ones.

Santa Maria del Fiore is up first, though. I don’t think anyone is rebellious enough to not do that!

1. Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo)

If you leave Florence without seeing this, you haven’t been to Florence. But you won’t, though, because it’s right in the middle of the city and impossible to avoid!

I’d seen countless pictures and videos of this place on social media. You likely have to, but they don’t do justice to what you’ll see in person.

Ornate marble facade of the Florence Duomo, with green, white, and pink geometric patterns and sculptural details. One of the most iconic church exteriors in Florence, drawing millions of visitors each year.

I went to see it at night as soon as I got settled into my room, and I literally could feel my jaw dropping and must have stood there for at least half an hour.

The marble façade was nothing like I’d ever seen before. It was so ornate and detailed, and the harmony of pink, white, and green made everything feel so much more impressive.

And yes, I knew the building was massive, but photos didn’t do that justice either.

This cathedral is the 3rd largest in the world after St, Peter’s in Vatican City and St. Paul’s in London.

Admission into the cathedral itself is free, but you’ll want access to the 5 other cool things in the complex, like the baptistry, bell tower, and dome climb, too.

Close-up view of Brunelleschi’s red-tiled dome atop the Florence Cathedral, as seen from the bell tower for those who purchase the pass.
Ancient stone ruins beneath Florence’s Duomo showing the preserved remains of Santa Reparata, the earlier cathedral on the site.
Marble altar and geometric wall designs beneath the golden mosaic ceiling of the Baptistery of St. John in Florence.

If you’re planning to visit everything in the Duomo complex, check out my ultimate visiting guide and avoid going in as confused as I did. There are a lot of moving parts you need to plan!

What’s Nearby: Osteria Nuvoli, Piazza della Repubblica, Palazzo Vecchio

2. Basilica di Santo Spirito

There were criminally few people in this church when I went, which was good for me. But it seems that not a lot of people know the significant of this church across the Arno River.

Warm beige exterior walls and brick dome of Basilica di Santo Spirito under a clear blue sky. This lesser-known gem across the Arno River is a key stop for cultural travelers exploring churches in Florence.

I was already in awe of the interior, but then I found out something amazing.

Michelangelo studied anatomy here in the late 1400s, using bodies from the convent hospital (which is the inner cloister that’s closed to the public today). And he left his thank-you gift as a limewood crucifix.

The crucifix, showcased today in the middle of the sacristy, costs €5 to see, and is one of his earliest works. You could see it in the unusual lack of details compared to his later works. But it was still spectacular.

Unfortunately, photos of the church interior are not allowed. It was appalling to see some people trying to sneak shots out of the security guard’s eyesight.

Please be the bigger person and respect the rules when you go.

Golden autumn leaves of a ginkgo tree in full color at the heart of the Santo Spirito cloister garden.
Arched walkway of Santo Spirito’s cloister, lined with memorial plaques, frescoes, and potted greenery. Visitors can photograph this quiet, contemplative space that complements the church’s tranquil interior.
Frescoes in the refectory of Basilica di Santo Spirito depicting religious scenes, including a baptism and banquet, painted with expressive figures and movement.

You can take photos of the cloister, though. It was especially magical when I went, with the ginkgo tree turning completely golden in November. The refectory and Poccetti’s fresco are also free to photograph.

What’s Nearby: Palazzo Pitti, Babae wine window, Antico Ristoro di Cambi

3. Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti

Out of this entire list, this church felt the most like a place of worship, with zero air of it being a tourist attraction.

Entering for free, the main chapel was very quiet, with soft hymn playing in the background. I was one of fewer than 5 people there.

Interior of Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti with richly decorated ceiling and a dramatic altar under soft lighting. One of the quietest and most spiritually resonant churches in Florence.

I couldn’t thank my host enough for insisting I came to see this church. Being a bit further west, it probably wouldn’t have been on my radar otherwise.

Minimalist white marble chapel with floral decorations, marking the final resting place of Carolina Bonaparte in Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti.

Don’t just leave after seeing the main chapel. In a secret room to the right of the nave, you’ll find the funeral chapel and burial place of Carolina Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister, who died in Florence in 1839.

What’s Nearby: Ristorante Buca Mario, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Antico Ristoro di Cambi

4. Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele

This half-church, half-museum was the last one I visited during my trip, mainly because for days, I was walking past it, not sure if it was a church or a museum. But hey, why not both? 😂

Intricately carved Gothic tabernacle and altarpiece in the Orsanmichele Church, framed by vivid frescoed ceilings. This church-museum hybrid is one of Florence’s most unique sacred sites.

So when I finally exhausted all my other hidden gems, I came back for a visit. I intentionally saved it for later because it was on such a touristy street, I assumed there must be a lot of people inside.

Again, it surprised me. There were less than 10 of us perusing the nave and the upstair museum.

Built in the late 1200s, this multi-storied square building (imagine that for a church…) was originally a loggia for the grain market.

You can still see traces of this in the grain chutes along the first floor walls, and hoops on the ceiling, originally used for rigs.

Close-up of a medieval grain chute embedded in the stone wall of Orsanmichele, a reminder of the church’s original use as a grain market. It’s a fascinating detail for those exploring historic churches in Florence with unusual origins.
Vaulted ceiling inside Orsanmichele painted with vibrant figures of saints, against a deep blue background and gold stars, with grain market rigging hooks noticeable.
Colorful frescoes and a large rose window above the walls of Orsanmichele, with noticeable old hooks used for rigging during its days as a grain market loggia.

Your entrance ticket includes a visit to its museum upstairs, accessed via the building behind it.

Inside, you’ll see remarkable original Renaissance statues that used to occupy the niches surrounding the building exterior. They had been moved inside for protection, each accompanied by an information plaque.

Collection of Renaissance statues in Orsanmichele’s upstairs museum, displayed beneath vaulted brick ceilings. These sculptures once decorated the church’s exterior and now offer insight into Florence’s religious artistry.

What’s Nearby: Perché no, Palazzo Vecchio, Mercato del Porcellino

5. Basilica di San Lorenzo

Among my favorite seven churches, Basilica di San Lorenzo has the most calming interior.

With colors like white and light gray, the main chapel felt extremely calming, with surprisingly few visitors considering how close to the Duomo it is.

This church, with its slightly sad, façade-less exterior, is an important example of pure renaissance architecture in Florence.

Everything seems a perfect balance of squares and circles, from arches to domes. It was very pleasing to look at.

View down the central nave of Basilica di San Lorenzo, showing its harmonious Renaissance symmetry, barrel-vaulted ceiling, and high altar with a crucifix.

First founded in 393 AD, the San Lorenzo church also claims the spot as the oldest church in the city. However, what you see today was rebuilt in the 11th century.

Michelangelo was actually commissioned to design the façade, but it was never completed due to lack of funding.

Because it’s the Medici Family’s church, you’ll find a separate entrance to the back of the building to the Medici Chapel.

This is not part of the San Lorenzo church, but a private chapel and burial place for family members. The chapel itself is unlike anything else you’ll see that day. I promise.

Tomb of Giuliano de’ Medici in the Medici Chapel, flanked by Michelangelo’s marble sculptures of Night and Day.
Octagonal dome of the Medici Chapel featuring vibrant frescoes and gold detailing, surrounded by arched windows. This richly decorated ceiling is a standout among the many ornate churches in Florence.
Marble-clad niche in the Medici Chapel featuring the statue of Ferdinando I de’ Medici above his family’s coat of arms. This richly detailed tomb exemplifies the grandeur found in the most famous churches in Florence.
  • Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
    • Medici Chapel Hours: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
  • Admission: €9 to the basilica, €9 to the Medici Chapel
  • Location: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
  • Recommended Time: 1 hour for the basilica, 40 minutes for the Medici Chapel

What’s Nearby: Trattoria Sergio Gozzi, Mercato Centrale

6. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Backing it up to the Gothic-style, Santa Maria Novella, built in 1278, was the first monastic church in Florence and home to the oldest pharmacy in the world. (Today a pretty dope place to grab souvenirs! 😉)

Inside, you’ll find artworks from the great Florentine artists, including a wooden crucifix from Filippo Brunelleschi (Yes, the same one who built the great dome), Paolo Uccello, and Filippino Lippi.

Detailed view of a Santa Maria Novella side chapel with vivid frescoes and a stained glass window depicting the Virgin Mary and saints.
Fresco of the Holy Trinity by Masaccio in Santa Maria Novella, showing God the Father supporting the crucified Christ with Mary and John below.
Vaulted hallway in Santa Maria Novella’s Cloister of the Dead, featuring stone tombs and engraved plaques along the walls.

For an extra €5, you can also see Masaccio’s celebrated fresco, The Trinity. Mind you, this man was the painter who introduced the concepts of perspective and vanishing point in art. Isn’t that amazing?!

Fresco fragments by Paolo Uccello displayed on large panels in the refectory of Santa Maria Novella, showing scenes originally painted on cloister walls.

I spent the majority of my time in the refectory, marveling at the frescoes of Paolo Uccello that had been moved inside from the cloister walls.

Like, they peeled a layer of the wall off and moved it, unscathed. 🤯

The pharmacy is not accessible from inside the cloister, so you’ll have to exit the church and walk around the block.

Be ready to spend at least 20-30 minutes in there. It’s like a perfumery wonderland inside, especially if you’re planning to shop.

Ornate interior of the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy in Florence with gold-trimmed wallpaper, antique vases, and elegantly wrapped soap bars on display under glass cloches.

What’s Nearby: Santa Maria Novella train station, Ristorante Buca Mario, Chiesa di San Salvatore

7. Basilica di Santa Croce

No, no. The marble façade and the statue of Dante out front are not the coolest things about this church.

Buying the tickets in, I was mostly wondering what the hell warranted the €10 people have to pay to even see the main chapel. Then I quickly got my answer.

Wide-angle view of the central nave of Basilica di Santa Croce, featuring stained glass windows, painted chapels, and visible construction barriers near the altar. This Gothic church is famous for housing the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Marble tomb of Galileo Galilei in Santa Croce, featuring sculpted figures and a Latin inscription honoring the astronomer.
Monumental tomb of Michelangelo in Santa Croce with three symbolic female statues and a marble bust of the artist above.

Along the two side naves inside the chapel are final resting places of around 300 notable names in mathematics, arts, science, and music.

So you basically pay to see the decorated tombs of people like Michelangelos (uh-huh), Galileo Galilei (Mhm), and Niccolò Machiavelli (Yeah).

You’ll also find exhibitions in the chapels towards the front of the chapel, and well as outside in the cloisters. The overall vibe was solemn, dark, but grand (true gothic 😂).

Even with the construction site that blocks out a part of the sanctuary and altar, it was quite stunning.

Byzantine-style painted crucifix suspended inside the Basilica di Santa Croce, highlighting its dark, gothic interior and spiritual atmosphere.

What’s Nearby: Seasonal Christmas market, Casa Buonarroti

To Sum It Up…

You must visit Santa Maria del Fiore, not because everybody does, but because it’s freakin’ worth it. You’ll regret not going in, I promise you. Touristy places are touristy for a reason.

I’d say put Santo Spirito on your list, too. We’re not nerdy enough unless we follow Michelangelo wherever he went, right?

As for the rest, pick and choose what you want to add!

  • Epic Renaissance architecture: San Lorenzo (And Medici Chapel for the wow factor)
  • Most peaceful San Salvatore in Ognissanti
  • Tombs of famous people: Santa Croce
  • Unusual and hidden in plain sight: Orsanmichele
  • Cool artworks and an ancient pharmacy: Santa Maria Novella

I hope you have as much fun church-hopping as I did. Florence will absolutely blow you away! And speaking of that, here are some posts to help you plan that epic trip. 👇

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Petra Udomprasert is a career immersive travel blogger and the founder of Polyglot Petra. Believing in travel as a force that inspires empathy and respect in our world, she writes travel guides that deeply explore the history and culture of every destination she visits, leveraging her fluency in five different languages to access the local perspective. Through her immersive guides and localized language tips, she has helped tens of thousands of travelers enjoy trips that leave lasting positive impacts on their lives.