Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore (Church of Saint Mary Major), Florence
Originally constructed in the 11th century, Florence's Santa Maria Maggiore may not possess the same grandeur as other churches in Florence, but it is undeniably beautiful. In the 13th century, it underwent extensive Gothic-style renovations to its facade and sides; however, the exterior retains a relatively plain appearance, characterized by stone walls and portals crowned with tympani. The bell tower, a remnant of the Romanesque structure, still stands, albeit reduced in height. Interestingly, it features a mysterious carving of a woman's head 鈥� popularly known as "Berta" 鈥� embedded in its walls.
The interior, restored in the 17th century, is simple with a nave and two aisles, ogival arches and groin vaults. Artworks include frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti, a Nativity by Matteo Rosselli, and, above the altar of the left transept chapel, a polychromed stucco relief panel, the Madonna del Carmelo, long attributed to the 13th-century artist, Coppo di Marcovaldo. If you need a place to rest and/or pray peacefully, this off-tourist-path church is the right place in Florence.
The interior, restored in the 17th century, showcases a simple layout with a nave, two aisles, ogival arches, and groin vaults. Noteworthy artworks include frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti, a Nativity painting by Matteo Rosselli, and a polychromed stucco relief panel, and the Madonna del Carmelo, positioned above the altar in the left transept chapel. For those seeking a tranquil space to rest or pray away from the tourist crowds, this off-the-beaten-path church in Florence provides a serene sanctuary.
***DANTE'S FLORENCE TOUR***
Within the church's chapel, take a moment to find the tomb of the renowned scholar and philosopher Brunetto Latini, who once served as Dante's mentor and introduced him to the writings of ancient authors. Latini was also a prominent figure in Florentine politics, serving as an influential role model for the aspiring poet, who was deeply engaged with the political life of his city. Dante certainly admired his teacher and held him in high esteem, though in his "Divine Comedy", for some unclear reason, he sticks Latini in the seventh circle of Hell, among the sodomites.
The interior, restored in the 17th century, is simple with a nave and two aisles, ogival arches and groin vaults. Artworks include frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti, a Nativity by Matteo Rosselli, and, above the altar of the left transept chapel, a polychromed stucco relief panel, the Madonna del Carmelo, long attributed to the 13th-century artist, Coppo di Marcovaldo. If you need a place to rest and/or pray peacefully, this off-tourist-path church is the right place in Florence.
The interior, restored in the 17th century, showcases a simple layout with a nave, two aisles, ogival arches, and groin vaults. Noteworthy artworks include frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti, a Nativity painting by Matteo Rosselli, and a polychromed stucco relief panel, and the Madonna del Carmelo, positioned above the altar in the left transept chapel. For those seeking a tranquil space to rest or pray away from the tourist crowds, this off-the-beaten-path church in Florence provides a serene sanctuary.
***DANTE'S FLORENCE TOUR***
Within the church's chapel, take a moment to find the tomb of the renowned scholar and philosopher Brunetto Latini, who once served as Dante's mentor and introduced him to the writings of ancient authors. Latini was also a prominent figure in Florentine politics, serving as an influential role model for the aspiring poet, who was deeply engaged with the political life of his city. Dante certainly admired his teacher and held him in high esteem, though in his "Divine Comedy", for some unclear reason, he sticks Latini in the seventh circle of Hell, among the sodomites.
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Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore (Church of Saint Mary Major) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore (Church of Saint Mary Major)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Florence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Florence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
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In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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