Basilica di Santo Spirito
Basilica di Santo Spirito
4.5
About
While it may not look like much from the outside, the elaborate interior of Brunelleschi's landmark church proves that it is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
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Neighbourhood: Oltrarno
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4.5
420 reviews
Excellent
207
Very good
159
Average
44
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Jason W
Wells, ME167 contributions
Feb 2020
I love visiting churches and cathedrals for their beautiful architecture. Here we were not allowed to take photos to share with others, but they did allow us to buy a candle to burn and leave there. They also allowed us to see a cross that was carved by Michaelangelo. For 2 euro. I don't mind contributing to the things I enjoy, but I want to be able to take photos to take back with me and share. Word of mouth only goes so far.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China174,695 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This is a large Augustinian church at the square by the same name in Oltrarno. The church history dates back nearly a thousand years but the present building that you see today was designed by early Renaissance master, Filippo Brunelleschi (1428-1446).
The main body of the church is free to visit and open from 10am to 1pm (morning) and 3-6pm (afternoons) and no photography is allowed within. 2 Euro entry fee required to access the cloister and sacristy where the crucifix by Michelangelo is to be seen. You can take photos in the cloister area.
The exterior of the basilica is fairly typical of early Renaissance with subtle and unassuming appearance. The interior nave is very large, nearly 97 metres in length. There are 38 side chapels and artworks on display including works by Botticini and F. Lippi. There is an impressive Baroque baldachin and aforementioned crucifix by a young Michelangelo in the sacristy. Easily 30 minutes worth of sightseeing within Basilica Santo Spirito. Just be aware of the separate morning and afternoon opening hours.
The main body of the church is free to visit and open from 10am to 1pm (morning) and 3-6pm (afternoons) and no photography is allowed within. 2 Euro entry fee required to access the cloister and sacristy where the crucifix by Michelangelo is to be seen. You can take photos in the cloister area.
The exterior of the basilica is fairly typical of early Renaissance with subtle and unassuming appearance. The interior nave is very large, nearly 97 metres in length. There are 38 side chapels and artworks on display including works by Botticini and F. Lippi. There is an impressive Baroque baldachin and aforementioned crucifix by a young Michelangelo in the sacristy. Easily 30 minutes worth of sightseeing within Basilica Santo Spirito. Just be aware of the separate morning and afternoon opening hours.
Written 9 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
irina j
London, UK3,554 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We happened to have lunch nearby and stopped at the church following up on good reviews. There are many beautiful paintings kept in original setting of chapels. Spending 4 hours in Uffizi gallery earlier that day, it was interesting to see where some of the religious paintings were intended to be originally. First work by Michelangelo definitely worth a visit. He was only 17 but you could see an amazing talent in his work! Lovely and peaceful cloister and not many visitors
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali M
Groton, MA6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is a hidden gem - it might seem plain on the outside but inside it’s magnificent. It’s free to view church and all the amazing artwork. We paid 2 additional euros to see a cross created by Michelangelo and the cloisters. Well worth it. Don’t invest in the audio tour. The app is hard to use and the narration made little sense. Afterwards get pizza just steps away at Antica Pizzeria Reginè Firenze.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marek V
Bratislava, Slovakia6 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
A basic looking church with imposant art inside. You should check the opening hours before visiting this sight. There isn't many people inside but the Basilica contains a beautiful frescoes on the walls and ceilings. Definitely a must seen sight if you have some time to spent. You canark nearby.
Written 3 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lidia C
Rotterdam, The Netherlands11 contributions
June 2021 • Family
Totally worth visiting! Don’t be deceived by the simple outward look, inside are jewels of real art. Free entrance but check the opening times! Closed on Wednesdays. By car, there is a parking parallel to the old walls.
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snorkelbear
Jackson, NH2,734 contributions
June 2022
The Basilica di Santo Spirito is a hidden GEM! Just across from the Petti Palace, it should be on everyone's bucket list! The cross carved by the 17 year old Michelangelo as a gift for housing him there during his exile, alone would be enough to justify a visit. but this beautiful Basilica is full of important art including Filippino Lippi's, Nerli altarpiece and the Annunciation by Pietro del Donzello. The Brunelleschi design of the church is stunning, the last great work of the master.
This is not an easy church to appreciate. No Tickets, No Guide Books, No Photos. This is a working Church, blessed by the Pope and elevated to a Basilica. But if you do a little reading before you go you will fall in love with it.
This is not an easy church to appreciate. No Tickets, No Guide Books, No Photos. This is a working Church, blessed by the Pope and elevated to a Basilica. But if you do a little reading before you go you will fall in love with it.
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia55,938 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The Basilica di Santo Spirito (Basilica of the Holy Spirit) is of Renaissance-style and located in vibrant Oltrarno district which many bars and restaurants, in the lively Piazza Santo Spirito.
Its location about 1.4 kilometers away from the Santa Maria Novella railway station.
The facade is plain but we were unable to view the interior which I understand is beautiful.
Its location about 1.4 kilometers away from the Santa Maria Novella railway station.
The facade is plain but we were unable to view the interior which I understand is beautiful.
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AptosAmy
Aptos, CA603 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The exterior of the church is very plain and simple. It looks like it might exist in a small town in Mexico. However, the interior of the church is elaborately decorated with fine art. Brunelleschi was the architect. It is truly masterful.
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blue Heeler
Brisbane, Australia751 contributions
July 2021
On the south side of the river but in walking distance of the Duomo center, this church was an unexpected gem. Entry was free unlike some others. The large paintings were astonishing in here if you like art. They had explanations of them in Italian but use your camera translation in Google translate to learn more. Well worth a visit IMHO.
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the hours? Having trouble finding them online.
Written 31 December 2018
We’ve visited Florence lots of times and Santo Spirito does often seem to be closed. I think we just happened upon it open on a late afternoon. Do try as it’s lovely
Written 7 January 2019
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