See masterpieces by painters that made Florence the cradle of the Renaissance when you visit the Chiesa di Ognissanti (officially Chiesa di San Salvatore di Ognissanti). From Ghirlandaio to Giotto, several great artists contributed to the spectacular decoration of the church walls, chapels and ceilings of Chiesa di Ognissanti. The Umiliati, a Benedictine religious order from Lombardy, founded the church in the 13th century and dedicated it to all saints and martyrs.
Stand outside the church’s entrance to appreciate one of the city’s first examples of baroque architecture. The façade received its present-day appearance in the 1600s. It features baroque design aspects such as pilasters, niches and intricate cornices. Note the glazed terracotta lunette set above the doorway, which portrays the Coronation of the Virgin and is attributed to local sculptor Benedetto Buglioni.
The interior is filled with Renaissance art and a storehouse for famous works. Admire Sandro Botticelli’s St. Augustine in His Study and Domenico Ghirlandaio’s St. Jerome in his Study. In the refectory is Ghirlandaio’s Last Supper, widely believed to have been an inspiration for Leonardo da Vinci’s world-renowned painting by the same name. Look for an elaborate crucifix by Giotto di Bondone and the original robe of St. Francis of Assisi.
Visit the Vespucci Chapel to see a fresco by Ghirlandaio and his brother David of the Madonna della Misericordia. It shows the Madonna protecting the noble Vespucci family and includes an image of explorer Amerigo Vespucci as a child. At the rear of the church is the tomb of Botticelli, positioned alongside his muse Simonetta Vespucci.
The church stands on Piazza Ognissanti, in the Santa Maria Novella area of Florence. It’s about a 10-minute walk from both Piazza del Duomo and the city’s central train station. From the southern side of Piazza Ognissanti, views stretch along the River Arno and to Ponte Vecchio.
Chiesa di Ognissanti is open daily, with a closure from 12.30 p.m. until 4 p.m. Be mindful of worshippers when visiting and during Mass services.
