The most beautiful Renaissance-style basilicas of Tuscany
The great artistic season of the Renaissance has left indelible traces of its splendor in many fields, first of all painting, sculpture and architecture. Come with us to discover the most beautiful Renaissance style basilicas of Tuscany.
Florence and the Renaissance
In the fifteenth century Florence consolidated its economic power through a dynamism based on an innovative industrial, mercantile and banking production organization.
Thanks to this new drive, the city, which was still characterized by numerous tower-houses, literally changed its appearance.
The advent of the bourgeoisie led to the birth of new tastes that were realized in the construction of imposing mansions.
Florence was therefore the city of the turning point towards a new artistic language, defined by Filippo Brunelleschi in architecture, by Masaccio in painting and by Donatello in sculpture, thanks also to the patronage of families like the Medici.
It was precisely this intellectual and artistic process that gave life to the most beautiful Renaissance Basilicas of Tuscany.
Features of Renaissance architecture
Renaissance architecture is that phase of architecture that originated at the beginning of the fifteenth century in Florence, mainly thanks to the work of some artists and intellectuals such as Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti.
The term Renaissance indicates the rediscovery of classical architecture, in particular of Roman architecture.
Starting from the fifteenth century we find a recovery of classical orders and harmonious proportions, as well as the search for orthogonal articulations and the use of simple geometric shapes in the definition of plants.
The most beautiful Basilicas with Renaissance architecture of Tuscany
The predilection for the elementary geometric forms and for the harmony between the parts led to the construction of numerous central-plan churches. Between 1420 and 1436, Filippo Brunelleschi raised the dome of the Florentine cathedral, the largest organism with a central plan from the Pantheon era.
Here is a short list of the most beautiful Renaissance Basilicas of Tuscany!
Basilica di Santo Spirito
Started in 1444 by Brunelleschi, it was finished, in 1487, by Gaiole and Salvi d’Andrea that only partially followed the original designs of the master. The façade, however, was never finished and today is presented as a striking plastered wall. The interior of the church of Santo Spirito in Florence is characterized by 3 large naves and is one of the highest examples of Renaissance architecture.
Basilica di San Lorenzo
The Basilica of San Lorenzo was rebuilt by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1419 on the remains of the oldest church in the city (consecrated in 393 AD). San Lorenzo is the church of the Medici family, who buried its most illustrious members here in the Medici Chapels.
Basilica di Santa Maria delle Carceri
The origin of the Santa Maria delle Carceri church in Prato is attributed to the miraculous apparition of the image of the Madonna to Jacopino Belcari. The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri is located in the homonymous square in the center of Prato and is considered an architectural masterpiece of the early Renaissance.
This is only a short itinerary but the list of Renaissance Basilicas in Tuscany is definitely longer. To discover these architectural jewels we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!
Quick Booking snippet
Extra virgin olive oil is a natural product that continues to evolve after pressing. Heat, light and oxygen accelerate this process and gradually affect both flavour and quality. At Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, this is something we know well. Our family has been producing extra virgin olive oil for generations, using olives grown in […]
Mugello is best known for its charming villages, ancient woodlands, historic villas and quintessential Tuscan landscapes. What many people don’t realise is that, after sunset, its clear skies and low levels of light pollution create ideal conditions for observing constellations, planets and, at the right time of year, even the Milky Way stretching across the […]
Villa Campestri, the world’s first Olive Oil Resort, transforms extra virgin olive oil into an experience that brings together nature, gastronomy, wellbeing and a deep connection to the land.
Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling as tired as when you went to bed? Or found yourself exhausted at night, only to lie awake for hours? Perhaps you’ve experienced that familiar afternoon slump, when your energy suddenly disappears for no obvious reason. Most of us blame stress, a busy schedule or lack […]
One of the most meaningful experiences during a trip to Tuscany, beyond visiting art cities or iconic landscapes, is connecting with everyday local life. That connection often happens in village markets, artisan workshops, and small food shops where products are made for the people who live there year-round, not just for visitors. In this guide, […]
How to get to Mugello from Florence and how to travel around Tuscany with or without a car. Distances, trains, buses and transfers.
Romantic weekend in Tuscany between Mugello and Florence: scenic rooms, candlelight dinners, and olive oil tastings. Discover Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort.
Anyone visiting Florence for the first time imagines a stay right in the historic center, surrounded by museums, piazzas, and narrow cobblestone streets. It takes only a day, however, to realize that Florence is wonderful to explore yet challenging to inhabit. Between ZTL restrictions, scarce and expensive parking, constant noise, and high prices for even […]