Churches in Florence: With detailed explanations of the art of artists like Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Donatello and many more

The churches of Florence are among the absolute highlights of the city. There is simply an incredible amount to see — both outside and inside. Even before you really start exploring, Florence announces itself with the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore towering above the rooftops. Other churches are more modest from the outside, but they can hold some of the most important artworks of the Renaissance . Think of the Brancacci Chapel in Santa Maria del Carmine , or the powerful architecture of San Lorenzo , where you can still feel the genius of Brunelleschi and Michelangelo .

In short, any visit to Florence should include time for its churches.

You should see the Tornabuoni Chapel to admire Ghirlandaio’s frescoes . You should visit the Medici Chapels in San Lorenzo to experience one of the most sublime combinations of sculpture and architecture created by Michelangelo . And of course, you shouldn’t miss the extraordinary doors of the Florence Baptistery .

In this book, I’ll show you what to look for in the churches of Florence. I explain the scenes in the great fresco cycles — so you can understand what you are seeing instead of just walking past beautiful images — and I point out the architectural innovations that architects like Brunelleschi introduced when they designed these spaces.

In this guide you’ll find:

Detailed highlights of Florence’s most important churches

Clear explanations of major fresco cycles and what they show

The stories and historical context behind the artworks

Architectural details and innovations (especially the work of Brunelleschi )

The key masterpieces you should not miss (including works connected to Michelangelo )

My name is Paul . I have had the good fortune of working as a tour guide all over Italy , and I also used to guide in Florence and Tuscany as a tour leader. I love showing people the places that make this country so special — places filled with art, history, and stories worth knowing .