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Basilica di Santo Spirito Overview

Basilica di Santo Spirito, a great work of architecture from the fifteenth century, is amongst the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Florence. The Basilica houses 38 side chapels enriched with the works of famous artists such as Filippino Lippi, Andrea Sensovino and others. It also houses marvellous artworks such as Altarpiece by Filippino, young Michelangelo’s Crucifix and the Christ and the Adulteress among others. 

The Basilica di Santo Spirito, an Augustinian convent that was later converted into a Basilica, is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture built by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. The basilica houses a total of 38 chapels, throughout the length of the attraction with magnificent and elaborate artwork on them. The Basilica has been governed by the Austin friends since its establishment.

Built with a Latin cross plan, the church has 3 naves surrounding the main altarpiece. The ceiling of the place was left open by Brunelleschi to symbolise the walls reaching the heavens. 

Visit the Basilica to get a chance to admire the magnificent artworks by popular artists such as Perugino, Andrea, Michelangelo and many others. The exterior of the architecture will amaze you with its stark appearance, with coats of arms over the windows belonging to the families who have their chapels in the Basilica. This is a great place to observe and admire the renaissance style of architecture, with the stone columns ornamented using the Corinthian capitals. A great example of simplicity, Basilica di Santo Spirito, houses some of the most beautiful and elaborate artworks such as the Altarpiece by Filippino, Annunciation by Pietro Donzello, Crucifix by Michelangelo and the Christ and the adulteress by Alessandro Allori. Marvel at the wonderful artworks inside the chapels throughout the Basilica and learn about the history behind them with a guide.

Highlights

• Admire the 38 side chapels in the church, decorated with the works of famous artists such as Filippino Lippi, Agnolo del Mazziere, Andrea Sansovino and Francesso Botticini.
• Learn about the rich history of the place while strolling through the Cloister of Parigi, the Sacristy, the Last Supper and the Refectory.
• Gaze at the crucifix by Michelangelo in the church, which is an important work of art as it mentions Christ in a form as described in the Gospels.
• Marvel at the beautiful Basilica designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the great artist who also designed the Florence Cathedral.
• Look at the simplicity of the interiors of the church that hosts some of the most intriguing artworks such as a stained Glass Window by Perugino, a ruined Fresco and Cenacolo by Andrea and Pieta by Nanni di Baccio Bigio.
• Visit the Basilica di Santo Spirito to get a chance to explore one of the most beautiful religious and artistic monuments in Florence.

How To Reach

By Bus: You can take the bus lines 23, 23L, 30A, 370A, 6BL, C3 and CF that pass near the Basilica di Santo Spirito. The nearest bus stops to the Basilica are Pitti (2 min walk), Frescobaldi (4 min walk) and San Frediano Cestello (6 min walk).

Cab/Taxi: You can also reach the Basilica by booking a Cab or Taxi from your accommodation or from the airport too. 

Train: the R transit line passes near the Basilica and has a stop at Firenze Santa Maria Novella. You can book a Cab/Taxi from the stop to the attraction.

Planning A Trip To Florence, Checkout & Book Florence Tour Packages Now!

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Basilica di Santo Spirito is in the early hours as it opens in the morning and evening, as the crowd is less during these times and you can have enough time to go through all the points of interest at your own pace. Additionally, the months between May and September are ideal to visit the Basilica due to the pleasant weather and vibrant atmosphere in the city because of many art festivals. 

Recommended Read: Things To Do In Rome

Other Essential Information

Location: Piazza di Santo Spirito 30, 50125 Florence

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Sunday and Religious holidays: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Entry fees: The entry fees would cost around 2 EUR

Suggested Read: Florence In May

Tips To Visit Basilica di Santo Spirito



  1. The Basilica is stroller and wheelchair accessible, therefore you may bring your children and elderly to the attraction.
  2. Creating any sort of crowd or gathering, intentionally, is strictly prohibited in the Basilica.
  3. Make sure you dress appropriately in accordance with the sanity of the Basilica.
  4. Choose a time for your visit with around 2 hours to spare so that you can explore the place without getting hurried.
  5. Refrain from sitting on the steps of the church as it is strictly prohibited and not acceptable by the Basilica authorities.
  6. Do not bring food or drinks in the churchyard of the Basilica, as it is not allowed.

Also Checkout: Places To Visit In Rome

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Day Wise Timings
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Point of Interest for Basilica di Santo Spirito
Altarpiece Nerli by Filippino Lippi
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Altarpiece Nerli by Filippino Lippi

Admire the great painting in the Basilica which was commissioned and executed in the 15th century located on the right side as you enter the church. Completed by Filippino Lippi, the Altarpiece is a great painting depicting the Virgin seated on a low backless throne holding the infant Christ on her lap. The painting has the infant Christ turning towards his precursor who is dressed in animal skins and whose staff is holding a crossbar referring to the crucifixion that will happen in the time to come.

Recommended Read: Things To Do In Florence

Annunciation by Pietro del Donzello
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Annunciation by Pietro del Donzello

Get a chance to gaze at the Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist in front of a beautiful description of the city of Florence in this beautiful piece of art made by Donzello. The Annunciation is located in one of the Frescobaldi chapels of the Basilica, where it was originally placed. The painting has the figures near a stone ledge and a distant description in beautifully made miniature.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Florence

Crucifix By Michelangelo
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Crucifix By Michelangelo

The Basilica di Santo Spirito houses the Crucifix that Michelangelo made after his study of anatomy. Get a chance to marvel at the crucifix which is an important piece of art that showcases Christ in the original form as mentioned in the gospels. The crucifix is a wooden structure that was placed over the main altar in the beginning, but was later marked as lost. It was later recovered from another chapel and finally restored back to the Basilica di Santo Spirito.

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