Chiesa di San Felice in Piazza (Church of St. Felix), Florence

Chiesa di San Felice in Piazza (Church of St. Felix), Florence

Located on the south bank of the River Arno, just west of the Pitti Palace, this church dates back to 1066, featuring a distinctively Gothic interior and a Renaissance façade attributed to Michelozzo. In 1153, it came under the control of the Benedictines from the monastery of San Silvestro in Nonantola, who decided to expand it in the mid-14th century. It was during this period that the five single-lancet windows with pointed arches were added, still visible on the exterior wall of the church. Also from this period is the lunette fresco on the sixth altar on the left, attributed to the Maestro del Bargello, depicting the Madonna and Child, St. James the Greater, Pope Sylvester, and the abbot of Nonantola (circa 1365). The presence of the prestigious Benedictine abbot as the patron adds significant artistic and historical importance to the fresco.

The side altars house works by various important artists. These include the "Apparition of the Madonna to St. Hyacinth" and "St. Peter Martyr" by Empoli, signed and dated 1595; "Madonna and Child" attributed to Starnina (1409-13); Polychrome terracotta "Deposition" attributed to Fra Ambrogio della Robbia (circa 1510); "Madonna and Saints" by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio (1520); and the fresco "Madonna della Cintola and Saints" by Bicci di Lorenzo. The side chapels (created in the 17th century) feature paintings by Salvator Rosa (fifth altar on the left), Jacopo Chiavistelli (second altar on the left), Ottavio Vannini (after the fourth altar on the right), Valerio Marucelli (fourth altar on the left), and a fresco by Giovanni da San Giovanni, completed by the Volterrano, depicting St. Felice aiding St. Massimo on the seventh altar on the left.

One notable artwork is the "Last Supper" painting by Matteo Rosselli (circa 1610-1620), which originated from the destroyed monastery of San Pietro Martire.

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Chiesa di San Felice in Piazza (Church of St. Felix) on Map

Sight Name: Chiesa di San Felice in Piazza (Church of St. Felix)
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.
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

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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
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
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
Medici Landmarks Walking Tour

Medici Landmarks Walking Tour

The Medici family helped to establish Florence as the single most important art capital of Renaissance Europe. In order to prove wealth and power, they built numerous palaces, libraries, churches, chapels and personal residences. The Medicis were big lovers of art and they acquired huge, expensive collections, as well as supporting many sculptors and painters of the time.

Designed by...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Florence Introduction Walking Tour

Florence Introduction Walking Tour

The city of Florence was founded by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as a settlement for veteran soldiers. It was built initially in the style of an army garrison – with main streets intersecting at today's Piazza della Repubblica. The original name, Fluentia, stems from its location between the two rivers; later, it was renamed Florentia, which means “flowering” or “flourishing”.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

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