Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore (Church of Saint Mary Major), Florence

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 – popularly known as "Berta" – 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.

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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:

Walking Tours in Florence, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Florence

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.
Florence Food Tour

Florence Food Tour

Food is one of the great Florentine passions, and the great thing about having a delicious authentic Tuscan meal, a snack, delicatessen, or a quality gelato here – besides the abundant variety – is not having to spend a lot of money for it.

In general, the “osterias” and the eateries nestled in Sant’Ambrogio 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
Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Michelangelo spent over 20 years of his life in Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance – during which time he created some of the most beautiful masterpieces the city had ever seen. The most famous of them – the David – was larger than life, and brought a larger-than-life image to the artist. No amount of photos or copies of the statue will do it justice, so to see it with your own...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Duomo Walking Tour

Duomo Walking Tour

Located in the very heart of historic Florence, the Duomo area is deservedly considered the city’s religious and civic center, replete with numerous landmarks. Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the two most important squares in the city, are steeped in history and the sights and activities found here are truly endless.

The most prominent of these, undoubtedly, is the breathtaking...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Florence's Hidden Art Treasures

Florence's Hidden Art Treasures

The “Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence is one of Europe’s most beautiful and busiest destinations, home to some of the world's greatest pieces of art and architecture. The iconic masters like Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as their somewhat less-known but equally talented counterparts, such as Ghirlandaio, Sangallo and Castagno, have blessed this city with...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Dante's Florence Walking Tour

Dante's Florence Walking Tour

Dante Alighieri was arguably the greatest – albeit also most controversial – of Italy's poets. After having served as one of the six priors governing Florence, his political activities – including the banishing of several rivals – led to his own banishment, upon which he wrote his masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy”, as a wanderer, seeking protection for his family in one town after...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Arno South Bank Walking Tour

Arno South Bank Walking Tour

The area south of Arno river, also called Oltrarno ("Beyond the Arno"), is a quieter place but not less interesting. Here you can find the Pitti Palace whose collection of paintings is second only to the Uffizi, and the vast Boboli Gardens once enjoyed by the Medici and the royal family. One of the first and most important examples of "Italian Gardens", they later served as...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

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