When arriving by train in Florence, you’ll get in in Santa Maria Novella Train Station, the station isn’t a brand new one but sections are being over the years improved and renovated so even if you don’t have to expect a fancy new station it gets the job done, with ATM’s, Cafes, Mc Donald’s, and some other known and less known primary services for travelers. When you will be looking for a cell phone in Florence, this area might be your first bet.
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As you exit the train station you are already steps away from the main monuments of the area such the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella a Dominican Church located just opposite to the station.
The Church is famously known for its frescoes and funerary monuments. There is a large square right outside the church called Piazza Santa Maria Novella. On the main road towards the Cathedral off to Via Cerretani and Via Panzani is the beginning of one of the most frequented areas for shopping.
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To organize your stay well, at the Santa Maria Novella station itself there is an information office that will help you with all the questions you would like to ask.