Florence Churches
 

Suggestions please for 2 churches in Florence: Bigger is not necessarily better and I appreciate architecture and sculpture more than paintings although I enjoy them as well. Thanks for your help

It's not a church and today it's not even a chapel but a part of the state museums of Florence, but for sculpture it would be hard to beat the Medici Chapel:
http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en...ppellemedicee/

For architecture, try Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel, or his Santo Spirito, or his San Lorenzo. The Duomo is by Brunelleschi as well, of course.

As mentioned, the Duomo but don't forget to climb to the top for a breath-taking view of the city and a close up look at the dome frescoes on the way up.

You might find some helpful information here:

http://www.arca.net/tourism/florence/churches.htm

San Lorenzo and Santa Croce

San Miniato al Monte

Why only two?

Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King is a short book well worth reading prior to a visit to Florence. It tells the great story on how the Dome was actually constructed....very unusual for its time. It will really make you appreciate the church. Available in paperback. Get it!

Church of Santa Croce: Great place to visit and shop. Walk in the front of the church. Go to the far right side in the back. This will lead you to the LEATHER SCHOOL. High quality leather goods and a nice story. Pictures of the famous people that have visited the school.

Santa Maria del Carmine, for the Masaccio's in the Brancacci Chapel and for its location in the Oltrarno.

The above posts have hit the main ones. We didin't like San Lorenzo and those MIchelangelos much - too flaccid and in that Florentine Renaissance Style that we at least find soul-less. Your tastes may differ. Id say the Masaccio frescos in the Carmine Church which we saw almost 30 years ago were the most memorable work of art we have seen in the florentine churches. His art and that of Giotto have the most amazing freshness and immediacy due to their rediscovery of realism. Santa Croce, with its Giottos and the elegant Pazzi chapel is a top destination, and San Miniato and the Duomo, of course are wonderful ancient piles.Im not sure what the status of the Baptistery doors is right now - arent they here in NY. Orsanmichele has some fine sculptures - on the outside, as I remember. Finally, Santa Maria Novella has some iteresting things, including a very good Ucello. Santo Spirito is a great landmark but to my way of thinking better from its piazza than from the inside.

The cloisters and gardens, and outside chapels at Santa Croce make it my favorite in Florence. The Leather School is ok, but Santa Croce has so much to offer.

Definetly make Santa Croce one of your two.

As you can see from the list above it is hard to pick only 2. I would not want to limit myself that way.

IMO the Duomo is a must.I agree that reading Brunelleschi's Dome will help you appreciate it more.

San Miniato al Monte is beautiful and a visit there includes the added attraction of an incredible view of the city.

Florence churches. I very much appreciate the response. I am saying two knowing I will get a varied response. I travel with my daughter and don't want to overdue the cathedrals/art too much. I can't see it all. Thanks sgbargyle

Santa Croce/Pazzi Chapel then across the Arno to the Brancacci Chapel