Basilica di Santo Spirito
Brunelleschi's Renaissance masterpiece, known for its serene column-filled nave and Michelangelo's early crucifix.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Basilica di Santo Spirito
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brunelleschi's Renaissance masterpiece, known for its serene column-filled nave and Michelangelo's early crucifix.
"The most original church in Florence, with an incredible atmosphere and a very different design."
🤫 Photography Restrictions
Remember, photography is not allowed inside the basilica. Be mindful of the rules to respect the sacred space.
💰 Small Fee for Art
A small entrance fee grants access to the sacristy and Michelangelo's crucifix. Worth it! :euro:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brunelleschi's Nave
Interior
A forest of columns creates a serene, harmonious space designed by the Renaissance master Filippo Brunelleschi.
Michelangelo's Wooden Crucifix
Sacristy
A poignant early work by Michelangelo, showcasing his anatomical studies and artistic genius.
Octagonal Sacristy
Adjacent to the nave
A Renaissance architectural gem designed by Giuliano da Sangallo, housing Michelangelo's crucifix.
Baroque Baldachin
Main Altar
An ornate and impressive polychrome marble structure that adds a touch of Baroque grandeur.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unfinished Exterior
Accessing Michelangelo's Masterpiece
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Photography Restrictions
Remember, photography is not allowed inside the basilica. Be mindful of the rules to respect the sacred space.
💰 Small Fee for Art
A small entrance fee grants access to the sacristy and Michelangelo's crucifix. Worth it! :euro:
First timers in Florence. Would it be unwise to stay in Santo Spirito?
🌳 Peaceful Cloister
Don't miss the tranquil cloister and garden; it's a hidden gem away from the city bustle. :lotus_flower:
🚶♀️ Explore the Oltrarno
The basilica is in the Oltrarno district, known for artisan workshops. Explore the area! :shopping_bags:
What to visit?
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Photography Restrictions
Remember, photography is not allowed inside the basilica. Be mindful of the rules to respect the sacred space.
💰 Small Fee for Art
A small entrance fee grants access to the sacristy and Michelangelo's crucifix. Worth it! :euro:
🌳 Peaceful Cloister
Don't miss the tranquil cloister and garden; it's a hidden gem away from the city bustle. :lotus_flower:
🚶♀️ Explore the Oltrarno
The basilica is in the Oltrarno district, known for artisan workshops. Explore the area! :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Basilica di Santo Spirito for its incredible atmosphere and unique, original design, especially the harmonious nave and the significant early work by Michelangelo. While the exterior is understated, the interior and the tranquil cloister offer a deeply impressive and less crowded experience of Renaissance Florence. Some note the need for minor maintenance and strict photography rules.
"It is not as popular as many other places but I think the most original church in Florence is Santo Spirito. It has an incredible atmosphere. There is an intertwined altar section/altar/mihrab inside. It is worth seeing just for that. It had a very different design. I was very impressed. The house was right in the center of the church. Moreover, it was free. There is also a statue of Jesus made by Michelangelo inside. This part is a separate place and you can enter here for 2€. I definitely recommend it. See it.
Also the backyard is a wonderful place. The lemon trees, lotus and fish were wonderful. We were literally the only ones in a place like Florence. It was a wonderful experience to discover this church which is very plain from the outside but wonderful inside. It needs some maintenance."
Özgür Kaya
"Built in the early 15th century on the site of an Augustinian monastery destroyed by fire, the basilica was designed by Renaissance master Filippo Brunelleschi. He began the design in 1434, though construction did not begin in earnest until after his death in 1446, with his pupils completing the church in 1487. The exterior remains unfinished, clad in simple gray stone, reflecting the fact that Brunelleschi’s original vision was never fully realized. In contrast, the interior is rich with artworks, including the octagonal sacristy designed by Giuliano da Sangallo in 1489—a true gem of Renaissance architecture.
Note: Photography is not allowed inside."
Seokjin Ham
"The Basilica of the Holy Spirit was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the Renaissance style, who worked on it until his death in 1446.
The interior is relatively minimal, except for the Baroque baldachin with polychrome marble added in 1601.
The octagonal sacristy was added by Giuliano da Sangallo in 1489 and holds Michelangelo's Crucifix. Michelangelo, when he was 17 years old, was allowed to make anatomical studies on the corpses coming from the convent's hospital; in exchange, he sculpted a wooden crucifix which reflected what he learned about anatomy.
Need to pay the entrance fee to see Michelangelo's Crucifix, because the sacristy it's in is also quite nice."
Meshal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Basilica di Santo Spirito is located in the Oltrarno district, across the Arno River. You can easily walk there from the Ponte Vecchio in about 10-15 minutes. Buses also serve the area if you prefer public transport.
Yes, Santo Spirito is a vibrant and authentic neighborhood, offering a more local feel than the main tourist hubs. It's well-connected and has a great atmosphere, though it can be lively at night.
From Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station, you can take a bus (e.g., lines 6, 11, or D) towards the Oltrarno, or enjoy a pleasant 20-25 minute walk across the Arno River.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main basilica area is free to enter. However, there is a small fee of around 2 Euros to access the sacristy and cloister, where Michelangelo's wooden crucifix is displayed.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the basilica is open from morning until late afternoon. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date times, especially for the sacristy.
Yes, you can visit the sacristy to see Michelangelo's wooden crucifix. This requires purchasing a separate ticket, typically costing around 2 Euros.
For the main basilica, no advance booking is needed as it's free. For the sacristy, tickets are usually available on-site, but it's always a good idea to check if online booking is an option, especially during peak season.
The basilica is generally open daily, but hours can be shorter on Sundays and holidays. Special events, like the one mentioned in a TikTok video, might affect access.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Basilica di Santo Spirito. Please respect the rules and refrain from taking pictures to preserve the atmosphere and artworks.
Photography is also not permitted in the sacristy where Michelangelo's crucifix is housed. It's important to adhere to these guidelines.
While inside photography is restricted, the exterior of the basilica and the surrounding Piazza Santo Spirito offer charming photographic opportunities, capturing the local Florentine life.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It's renowned for its harmonious Renaissance interior designed by Brunelleschi, featuring a unique 'forest of columns' and housing Michelangelo's early wooden crucifix. Its unfinished exterior contrasts with its rich interior.
Besides Michelangelo's crucifix, the basilica contains numerous side chapels with artworks by artists like Botticelli and Filippino Lippi, and an impressive Baroque baldachin.
The interior is characterized by its architectural elegance and harmonious proportions, with a relatively minimal aesthetic compared to some other Florentine churches, punctuated by significant artworks and the ornate Baroque baldachin.
The exterior's plain stone facade is a result of Brunelleschi's original vision never being fully realized due to funding issues and his death. It's a historical testament to the church's construction.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as incredible, original, and peaceful, offering a unique and less crowded experience compared to more famous basilicas in Florence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tip: The small fee for the sacristy might be a good way to introduce children to significant art like Michelangelo's crucifix, especially if they are interested in history or art. The surrounding Piazza Santo Spirito is also a great place for kids to run around and enjoy the open space after visiting the church.
💰 Budget Travelers
For a minimal cost (around 2 Euros), you can access the sacristy to see Michelangelo's early crucifix and explore the cloister. This makes it one of Florence's most accessible yet artistically rich attractions. Combine your visit with exploring the free-to-wander Oltrarno district for an affordable and enriching day.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to see Michelangelo's wooden crucifix in the sacristy – a rare glimpse into the formative years of a legendary artist. The octagonal sacristy itself is an architectural gem. The basilica also houses works by other notable artists, offering a rich artistic experience beyond the most famous landmarks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Brunelleschi's Architectural Genius
The exterior of Santo Spirito remains famously unfinished, clad in simple gray stone. This stark contrast with the richly decorated interior is a key feature. Brunelleschi's original intention was for a more elaborate facade, but financial constraints and his passing meant it was never completed as planned. This unfinished aspect adds a layer of historical authenticity and intrigue to the basilica, making it a unique landmark in Florence.
Inside, the basilica boasts 38 side chapels, many containing significant artworks. The octagonal sacristy, designed by Giuliano da Sangallo in 1489, is another architectural highlight, showcasing Renaissance principles. It is within this sacristy that one can find Michelangelo's wooden crucifix, a powerful early work created when the artist was just 17 years old.
Michelangelo's Early Masterpiece
Michelangelo's connection to the church stems from his time studying anatomy. He was granted permission to perform dissections on corpses from the convent's hospital. In exchange for this privilege, he sculpted this wooden crucifix, demonstrating his profound understanding of human anatomy and his burgeoning artistic talent. The crucifix is a testament to his dedication and early mastery.
Accessing this particular artwork requires a small entrance fee for the sacristy. While the main basilica is free to explore, this fee ensures the preservation of the sacristy and its precious contents. Many visitors find this modest cost well worth the experience of viewing such an important piece by a world-renowned artist.
The Santo Spirito Neighborhood
This neighborhood is a fantastic place to explore on foot. Wander through its narrow streets, discover traditional craft shops selling leather goods, ceramics, and jewelry, and soak in the local life. The Piazza Santo Spirito itself is a lively hub, often filled with locals enjoying aperitivo at the cafes and bars, especially in the evenings.
Staying in Santo Spirito, as mentioned in Reddit discussions, can be a great option for first-time visitors seeking a more immersive experience. It provides a good balance of proximity to major attractions while offering a more residential and less tourist-saturated feel. The area is well-served by public transport and is easily walkable to other parts of the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit