Basilica di Santo Spirito

"The Church of Santo Spirito is one of the most important religious monuments in Florence. While Santa Maria Novella is the church of the Dominicans and Santa Croce that of the Franciscans, Santo Spirito has always been the point of reference for the Augustinians of Florence. Built on the remains of a previous church, it was begun in 1444 by Filippo Brunelleschi who also designed the dome while the bell tower is the work of Baccio d'Agnolo. After Brunelleschi's death in 1446, the construction site passed into the hands of three followers, Antonio Manetti, Giovanni da Gaiole and Salvi d'Andrea, who completed the work. The façade that can be admired today is the result of the modifications made in 1700. The façade that can be admired today is the result of the modifications made in 1700. Santo Spirito takes up the structure of another basilica created by Brunelleschi, that of San Lorenzo, but enlivens the architecture with longer side naves and above all with the dome in a central position. Above the altar there is a baroque canopy made by Giovanni Caccini in collaboration with Gherardo Silvani. Santo Spirito has 38 side altars in which some works of great importance are exhibited. In the transept altar there is one of the most important works of the basilica: the Madonna with Child and St. John the Baptist, St. Martin and St. Catherine the Martyr by Filippino Lippi."

"Basilica di Santo Spirito is unfortunately the most underwhelming of the big four churches. Santo Spirito is located on the south side of the Arno river right next to the popular Gustapizza. Admission into Santo Spirito is free."

"Brunelleschi-designed church's unadorned façade contrasts with the richly decorated interior, with works by the likes of Sandro Botticelli. "