Tags:   Florence July 2010

© All Rights Reserved

Tags:   Florence July 2010

© All Rights Reserved

Tags:   Florence July 2010

© All Rights Reserved

Tags:   Florence July 2010

© All Rights Reserved

Including the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. Consecrated in 1420, it is the first great basilica in Florence. The church contains a multiplicity of art treasures. Especially famous are frescoes by masters of Gothic and early Renaissance.

Giorgio Vasari was the architect, commissioned in 1567 by Grand Duke Cosimo I, for the first remodelling of the church, which included removing its original rood screen and loft, and adding six chapels between the columns. An armillary sphere and a gnomon were added to the end blind arches of the lower façade by Ignazio Danti, astronomer of Cosimo I, in 1572. The second remodeling was designed by Enrico Romoli, and was carried out between 1858 and 1860.

The square in front the church was used for an annual chariot race. This custom existed between 1563 and the late 19th century. The two Obelisks of the Corsa dei Cocchi marked the start and the finish of the race. They were set up to imitate an antique Roman circus. The obelisks rest on bronze tortoises, made in 1608 by the sculptor Giambologna.

Tags:   Florence July 2010 Basilica of Santa Maria Novella Church

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