Art and Power in Florence’s Churches Tour with Santa Maria Novella

Florence’s history and spirit can be rediscovered through its most iconic churches. This 3.5-hour tour explores three of the most monumental and ambitious buildings of the city: the elegant Santa Maria Novella, the majestic San Lorenzo, and the "Temple of Italian Glories" Santa Croce. From Masaccio’s groundbreaking Holy Trinity to the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, see how Florence’s history took shape through these churches, the patrons who built them, and the changing balance of power.

You will begin your journey at Santa Maria Novella, with its elegant bicolored façade designed in part by Leon Battista Alberti, and admire Masaccio’s Holy Trinity, a revolutionary masterpiece of perspective, and the vibrant frescoes of Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel.

Your next stop will be San Lorenzo, showcasing the works of two masters: Brunelleschi, responsible for its architectural ingenuity, and Michelangelo, who designed parts of the church. This church is now a symbol of Medici dominance and cultural legacy.

The tour will end at Santa Croce, the final resting place of luminaries like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Surrounded by Giotto’s iconic frescoes, discover how this Franciscan church became a celebration of Florence’s intellectual and artistic triumphs.

You are pre-paid for your Santa Croce tickets. There are nominal site entrance costs for Santa Maria Novella and San Lorenzo that are not included in the price of the tour. It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these.

For private tours, a private car service transfer from your hotel can be arranged to the meeting point. Please select the “Private Car from Your Hotel” option at checkout. 

Is the Uffizi Gallery included on this tour?  It’s not. If you’re interested in the Uffizi Gallery, we highly recommend you book our Uffizi Gallery Tour: A Guided Crash Course with Skip-the-Line Tickets.

Is the Accademia Gallery and David included on this tour?
No, the Accademia Gallery and the statue of David are not included. If you're interested in visiting the Accademia, we suggest our Introduction to Florence or Michelangelo Tour.

I have a Firenze Card. Do I still need to pay for tickets?
Yes, if you have a Firenze Card, it will cover the entrance fees for all venues included in the tour. However, please remember that the Firenze Card is issued in your name, so you'll need to pick it up yourself in advance. Our expert guides are unable to retrieve the card for you. Be sure to bring it with you on the tour to use for church entries.

Is this tour suitable for children? This tour can be adapted for children, especially older ones or those with an interest in art and history. While some concepts might be complex, the guide can tailor the content to be more engaging and understandable for younger audiences, ensuring a fun and educational experience.

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

How much walking is involved in this tour?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking across Florence’s historic center, including visits to churches that may require climbing a few steps. 

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.