Famed for its world-class art and mouthwatering Tuscan cuisine, Florence, often referred to as the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city of romantic beauty.
Both beautiful inside and out, the city’s churches and religious monuments should be at the top of your sightseeing list, especially the collection of churches filled with art by some of the greatest artists of all time – think Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, and Ghirlandaio.
Whether you’re a museum lover or a soak-it-up-as-you-go type of traveler, a tour of the best churches in Florence, Italy, will never disappoint.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Busà Photography. Image Location: Duomo di Firenze, Florence, Italy
How many churches are in Florence?
Florence, like many Italian cities, is filled with beautiful churches for you to tick off your list. A rough estimate suggests that the city has around 72 to 100 churches, give or take, based on different criteria.
What is the famous church in Florence?
The famous church in Florence is the dazzling Duomo di Firenze, formally called the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or more commonly known as Florence Cathedral.
The Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, featuring a candy-striped pink, white, and green façade, was built by Arnolfo di Cambio starting in the 13th century. The cathedral’s distinctive terracotta-tile clad, egg-shaped dome designed by Brunelleschi was completed 140 years later. The iconic dome dominates the city skyline and serves as a useful landmark if you happen to get lost.
Don’t forget to climb up to the top of the cupola for unsurpassed – unless you’re a bird – views over Florence.
How long does it take to walk up the Duomo?
This is a fair question to ask before climbing the 463 steps up to the top. On average, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pace and the number of visitors attempting the same feat.
There is also no elevator. Your reward will be the sight of awesome frescoes and the terracotta-tiled rooftops of Florence below (and perhaps a pizza when you reach street level again).
Image Credit: Getty Images, Julian Elliott Photography. Image Location: Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
The most beautiful churches in Florence
Admire these churches in the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed centro storico (historic center) of Florence.
Santa Croce
The Basilica of Santa Croce also deserves a spot on your Florence church tour. Built in the late 13th century, it’s the burial place of many prominent figures in Tuscan culture and houses some lovely frescoes by Giotto and his pupils, a crucifix by Donatello, and cloisters by Brunelleschi.
Image Credit: Getty Images, ermess. Image Location: Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy
Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella church is one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany. The facade, designed by Friar Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti, is striking, while inside you can admire a wonderful crucifix by Giotto, a series of frescoes by Ghirlandaio, and the renowned Holy Trinity fresco by Masaccio.
Image Credit: Getty Images, MarekUsz. Image Location: Basilica of San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
San Lorenzo
The Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of the largest and oldest in Florence. Other highlights include a Michelangelo-designed library within the vast San Lorenzo complex, Brunelleschi’s Old Sacristy, and the Medici Chapels with sculptural decorations also by Michelangelo. Inside the aisles, you can admire works by Bronzino, Rosso Fiorentino, and Donatello.
See also: Your guide to Florence's masterpieces on a budget
Travel to Florence by train
Feeling inspired to see some of these stunning churches in Florence? You’ll find traveling there from anywhere in Italy is super simple when you download the Trainline App.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, KavalenkavaVolha. Image Location: Duomo di Firenze, Florence, Italy