The Church of Santo Spirito is one of the main examples of the early Renaissance. It is located in the Oltrarno district of the city of Florence, with its naked and unmistakable facade overlooking the main square. The basilica, built on the ruins of the thirteenth-century Augustinian monastery destroyed by the fire in 1471, is the latest masterpiece by Brunelleschi that began the works in 1444.
According to its projects, the work continued in 1446 under the direction of Antonio Manetti , Giovanni da Gaiole , and Salvi d’ Andrea, was completed in 1488, Salvi d’ Andrea was responsible for the construction of the dome, designed by Brunelleschi. The slender tower is by Baccio d’ Agnolo .
It has three naves separated by arches on columns that run also in the transept . Open niches along the walls to allow space for chapels . The glass was made on the design of Perugino. The main altar of the Baroque style, to which collaborated to realization Gherardo Silvani and Agostino Ubaldini , is by Giovanni Caccini ( 1599-1607 ) .
The church has belonged for centuries to the order of the Augustinians. To the left of the façade leads to the museum of the Roman Foundation located in the Cenacolo di Santo Spirito. A part of the original monastery is now part of the Military District of Florence, on the northwest corner of the square.
What you shouldn’t miss inside the church!
There are many true unique pieces of art inside the church, even though some have flew away to other international museum, but you can still look at some valuable copies of works by Michelangelo, sculptures by Bernardo Rossellini (sarcophagus Capponi, 1458) and Andrea Sansovino. In addition there are tables of artists of the ‘400 and ‘500, including Filippino Lippi (Madonna and Child with Saints), Cosimo Rosselli, F. botticini, Francesco Granacci, Michele and Ridolfo Ghirlandaio.
The sacristy adjoining the vestibule was initiated by Giuliano da Sangallo in 1489 with an octagonal plan, here is also the Crucifix, an early work of Michelangelo.
Part of the Church are also the two Cloisters called respectively Il Chiostro dei Morti ed il Chiostro Grande dell’ Ammanati.
You can view the official Church of Santo Spirito on the official web site for updates on celebration and more information.