This is a fairly large public square in the Historic Centre of Florence that has been around since the Middle Ages. It takes present name the major basilica situated at the the north end. It is also due south of the Santa Maria Novella Rail Station which many will use to arrive into the city. Thus, it is very likely that you will pass by Piazza di Santa Maria Novella either while sightseeing or around arrival/departure time by rail. Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is a mostly rectangular shaped. It is a pedestrian only area these days and lined with cafes & bars with alfresco seating as well as a handful of hotels. You will findnice views of the Basilica facade to the north from many locations within the square. To the south is Museo Novecento and note the fun pair of Turtle obelisks situated on opposite sides. These are worth a look-see when passing by.

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, fortunately, is separated from the station square by the church of the same name. If this had not happened, she would have lost all her attractiveness. The dominant feature of the square is the facade of Santa Maria Novella, which faces the square with its best part. The Romanesque facade of the church was remodeled by the famous Leon Alberti to make it an example of the style. In the central part of the square there are flower beds, a fountain and two 16th-century obelisks created by the sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati. The pedestals are supported by bronze tortoises, created in 1608 during Giambologna's free time from the Rape of the Sabines. Along the perimeter of the square there are buildings built in different centuries. Opposite Santa Maria Novella is the Hospital of San Paolo, dating back to the 13th century, predating the church itself. The loggia of 10 arches of the hospital was built according to the design of Michelozzo, who took as a basis the loggia of Brunelleschi's Orphanage. So successful that the authorship of this loggia was attributed to the author of the famous dome of the Duomo. The hospitals have not treated anyone for a long time, but show paintings by contemporary Italian artists, who find it difficult to compete with the creations of the Uffizi and Pitti palaces. Among other buildings on the square, the Pitti-Broccardi Palace is interesting, where Luca Pitti lived, who ordered the construction of a palace named after him, but did not manage its maintenance. Almost the entire area, except for the church and the San Paolo hospital, is occupied along the perimeter by 3-4 star hotels. And another notable establishment associated with the Church of Santa Maria Novella is located on Via della Scala, tangentially passing through the square. You need to turn right from the San Paolo Hospital and at number 16 go to the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It is the oldest pharmacy in Europe and one of the oldest businesses in Europe, continuously operating since 1612. Founded by the Dominican monks of Santa Maria Novella, it no longer sells medicines, but sells perfumes and other aromas.

From the outside the church is decorated in the same style as the Duomo. However, what the church lacks in size compared to the Duomo, it is far more impressive from the inside with beautiful wall and ceiling paintings and works of art. The buildings surrounding the church such as the cloisters and the Spanish Chapel are stunning with wall paintings that are in different stages of deterioration. It's such a peaceful place to visit and not vey busy when I visited in the early afternoon. This was the best 10 Euros I had ever spent.

Great trip. A pleasant city with a lot of social life and despite many monuments to see. Our stay at the hotel GRAND BAGLIONI FLORENCE was unforgettable. 500 meters from Duomo.