Inside Santa Maria Novella with Special, Low-Cost Sunday Tours

Starting January 20, for the next four Sundays, the Civic Museums and MUSE Fiorentini will offer guided tours and activities of the gothic style church, Santa Maria Novella, built over 700 years ago. From Giotto’s to Brunelleschi’s Crucifix, Masaccio’s Trinity fresco, to the Strozzi and Tornabuoni Chapels of Filippino Lippi and Ghirlandaio, the event offers an an incredible opportunity to see a more in depth view of the basilica.

On the first Sunday, a tour beginning at 2 pm will explore the artworks of the Tornabuoni Chapel, where both religious stories of Mary and John the Baptist, intertwined with the secular Tornabuoni family story, both play a role in the history of Florence’s Renaissance. This is designed as a educational visit for both adults and youths.

Later at 4 pm activities are available for families, featuring an insight into daily life at Santa Maria Novella. The church is providing the opportunity to imagine what life was like, experiencing the rules, schedule, and duties of the Dominican friars, while seeing the beautiful works from Giotto, Masaccio, Brunelleschi, and Ghirlandaio. Connect with past through re-living the meeting in the chapter house, study in the library, silence in the cloister, care and assistance in the infirmary, and rest in the dormitories. The event is suggested for families with children from 8 to 12 years.

On January 27, a 2:30 pm visit will focus on Santa Maria Novella’s treasures: altar decorations, historical, embroidered liturgical vestments, gold and silver objects.  Later, at 4 pm, kids and parents alike are invited to learn about the the complex offers by following an itinerary of clues offered by floral decorations, whether painted, sculpted or embroidered, followed by a drawing workshop for children.

The activities cost €2.50 for residents, and €5 for non residents, added to the general entrance rate of € 7.50, with reduced admission  € 5. Reservations are required. For more information and to make a reservation, MUSE can be contacted at 055-2768224 or 055-2768558, and email info@muse.comune.fi.it.  (nicole grant/additional reporting by rosanna cirigliano)