One of Filippo Brunelleschi’s masterpieces of architecture, this 15th-century church doesn’t look much from the outside (no proper facade was ever built). But the interior is a marvelous High Renaissance space—an expansive landscape of proportion and mathematics in classic Brunelleschi style, with coffered ceiling, lean columns with Corinthian capitals, and the stacked perspective of arched arcading. Late Renaissance and baroque paintings are scattered throughout, but the best stuff lies in the transepts, especially the Cappella Nerli ★, with a panel by Filippino Lippi (right transept). The church’s extravagant baroque altar has a ciborium inlaid in pietre dure around 1607—and frankly, looks a bit silly against the restrained elegance of Brunelleschi’s architecture. A separate entrance (with a 3€ admission fee) gets you into the Sacristy—to see a wooden “Crucifix” that has, controversially, been attributed to Michelangelo—as well as Santo Spirito’s 17th-century cloister and refectory. Tip: Tree-shaded Piazza Santo Spirito ★ is one of the focal points of the Oltrarno, lined with cafes that see action late into the evening. Sometimes a few farmers sell their fruit and vegetables on the piazza.
Florence› Attraction
Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito
Our Rating
Hours
Mon–Tues and Thurs–Sat 10am–12:30pm and 4–6pm; Sun 11:30am–1:30pm and 4–6pm
Transportation
Bus: C3, C4, 11, 36, 37
Phone
055/210-030
Prices
Free (3€ sacristy & cloister)
Web site
Santo Spirito
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.