Basilica of Santa Trinità

The Basilica of Santa Trinita in Florence is a hidden gem that encapsulates centuries of history and art, located in one of the most elegant squares in the city, Piazza Santa Trinita, along Via de’ Tornabuoni. Founded in the mid-11th century by the Vallombrosian monks, the original church was a Romanesque building, austere and simple, in line with the principles of the monastic order. Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone numerous expansion and renovation interventions. One of the most significant moments was the Gothic transformation begun in the 13th century, probably designed by the architect Neri di Fioravante or Nicola Pisano. During this period, the building was expanded with the addition of side chapels, funded by the most powerful Florentine families, who wanted to leave a tangible mark of their devotion and prestige. The current facade of the church, built in the late 16th century by Bernardo Buontalenti, represents a typical example of Florentine Mannerism. The facade is characterized by a double order of pilasters and a pediment with a round window. The sculptures adorning the facade, including the statue of Saint Alexius and the relief of the Trinity, are works by Giovanni Battista Caccini. Inside, the basilica has a Latin cross plan, with three aisles divided by rectangular pillars and pointed arches, and ribbed vaulted ceilings. The internal structure is organized in such a way as to create an optical effect that makes the church appear larger than it actually is, a deliberate artifice to impress the faithful. One of the most famous chapels is the Sassetti Chapel, decorated with a cycle of frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio between 1483 and 1486, depicting the stories of Saint Francis of Assisi. These frescoes not only illustrate episodes from the saint’s life, but also offer a glimpse of Florentine society in the 15th century, with portraits of contemporaries of Ghirlandaio, including Lorenzo the Magnificent. The Bartolini Salimbeni Chapel, located along the right aisle, houses frescoes by Lorenzo Monaco depicting the Stories of the Virgin, created between 1420 and 1425. The chapel is a perfect example of International Gothic, with vibrant colors and intricate details. Another chapel of great interest is the Strozzi Chapel, which houses the Annunciation by Michele Tosini and the statues of Meekness and Peace by Giovanni Battista Caccini. The Davanzati Chapel instead contains a magnificent Coronation of the Virgin by Bicci di Lorenzo and a funerary monument composed of a Roman sarcophagus from the 3rd century AD, attributed to Bernardo Rossellino. The basilica also houses the monumental tomb of Bishop Benozzo Federighi, created by Luca della Robbia in 1455, located in the last chapel of the transept. This tomb is a marble masterpiece with polychrome maiolica decorative inserts. Over time, Santa Trinita has undergone various restorations, including those following the flood of 1966, which caused significant damage. During these interventions, many of the 19th-century additions were removed, revealing the original Gothic elements.