Churches: Santo Spirito (Part 1 of 2)

The Basilica of Santo Spirito proves the axiom about not judging a book by its cover.

Santo Spirito is a large church in Florence located across the Arno river, away from the heart of Florence.  A series of churches have existed on the site.  The existing church dates from the 1400's and was built according to a design by genius architect Filippo Brunelleschi, who died during construction.  The church took more than four decades to complete (1444-1487). 

We have many times visited the neighborhood where the church is located.  The church is not eye-catching aside from the large size.  The exterior is finished with stucco.. 

The Basilica of Santo Spirito

Santo Spirito:  View of the top of the dome

We supposed the interior was likewise not very impressive. 

We were wrong.  During a recent visit, we toured the inside of the church and the adjoining cloister. 

The interior of Santo Spirito closely resembles Brunelleschi's Renaissance masterpiece, the church of San Lorenzo.   Santo Spirito features round arches, columns made of pietra serena, large windows, a tall nave, wide side aisles and a series of many small side chapels.  Photography is not allowed in the church.  So, the photos below are borrowed. 

Santo Spirito:  View of the nave and side aisles looking toward the main altar.  The Corinthian columns are made of single masses of hard stone, not separate blocks that could be pieced together.

Santo Spirito:  Main altar

In addition to having beautiful architecture, Santo Spirito has a large collection of Renaissance paintings.  Santo Spirito proves another axiom--some of the best art in Europe is found in churches, not museums.  The art collection in Santo Spirito rivals many museums.  Below are borrowed photos of two of the best paintings in Santo Spirito. 

Santo Spirito: In the Nerli Chapel, Madonnna with Child and Saints by Filippino Lippi (about 1488)

Santo Spirito: In a Frescobaldi Chapel, The Annuncation by Pietro del Donzello (1497-1498)

Although photography is not allowed, the good people at Santo Spirito created an online catalog of the art collection in the church.  You can view the catalog by clicking here.

Next Up:  Visiting Santo Spirito's cloister