Basilica di Santo Spirito

Florence's Basilica di Santo Spirito is a world apart from the many magnificent, ornate churches in the city; it is a plain, tranquil and very spiritual place. Designed by the master of Renaissance architecture, Brunelleschi, its unadorned clear cream colored facade may not be alluring from the outside. But upon entering, you will clearly appreciate its quiet beauty. It's a site where the past, faith and ordinary life converge. One can enjoy world-class art inside, then exit a few feet outside into a dynamic piazza full of Florentines.

Things to do at Basilica di Santo Spirito

• Admire Michelangelo’s Crucifix
• Explore the Renaissance architecture
• Visit the side chapels
• Stroll the Piazza Santo Spirito
• Catch local events

Essential Information

• Basilica di Santo Spirito opening hours

Thursday to Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM 

• Basilica di Santo Spirito Ticket Fee: Free Entry
• Located in Piazza Santo Spirito, Florence, Italy

How to Reach Basilica di Santo Spirito

• Arriving at Florence Peretola Airport (FLR). From the airport, take a taxi and it will take around 25-30 minutes to reach the destination.
• If you prefer public transport, you can take the T2 tram line from the airport to Santa Maria Navella station, it takes 15-20 minutes to get to the sport.
• You can take a city bus (ATAF) to get off close to Piazza Santo Spirito and the basilica is just a short walk away.

Travel Tips for visiting Basilica di Santo Spirito

• Dress Respectfully
• Go early or late evening to avoid crowds
• The main church is usually free to enter, but there’s a small fee to see the sacristy where Michelangelo’s wooden crucifix is displayed. Bring a few euros in cash just in case.

FAQs

What can you see at Santo Spirito in Florence?

You will see Brunelleschi’s magnificent architecture of the Renaissance, over thirty chapels with decoration, and Michelangelo’s early wooden crucifix in a sacristy.

Where is the Christ of Santo Spirito located?

The wooden crucifix by Michelangelo is at the sacristy of the basilica.

What is the layout of Brunelleschi’s Basilica di Santo Spirito?

Its shape is a classic Renaissance Latin cross plan featuring a wide nave, side chapels, with harmonious balanced dynamics in the shape itself.

What is the difference between the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Santo Spirito?

Both are masterpieces of Brunelleschi, but San Lorenzo is larger, its location is centralised, while Santo Spirito feels simpler, quieter and tied geographically and socially to the Oltrarno, providing a more local feel.