Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica
At a glance
Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica is a 1h 30m private experience in Florence, Italy, operated by CAF Tour and Travel - Gray Line Florence. Travellers rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $132.85 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants, Local professional Guide at your side.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Uncover the timeless beauty of the Santa Maria Novella Basilica, one of Florence’s most captivating landmarks. Founded by Dominican friars in the early 13th century, this architectural masterpiece showcases a stunning Renaissance façade. Step inside and be mesmerized by world-renowned artworks, including Giotto’s "Crucifix", Masaccio’s "Trinity". Continue your journey through the peaceful Green Cloister, adorned with murals by Paolo Uccello, painted in striking green tones. This cloister was a place of cultivation, where Dominican monks produced rose water to help disinfect during epidemics. Then, they expanded their botanical knowledge, creating herbal remedies, essences, and medicinal balms. Next, visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, established in 1612. Located within the original Dominican monastery, this historic pharmacy offers an unforgettable sensory experience with its fragrant herbs, exquisite perfumes, and beauty products.
What's included
What's included
- Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants
- Local professional Guide at your side
Not included
- Basilica admission ticket to be paid on the spot: Adult: € 7,50; ages 11-17: € 5,00; 10 and under free
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Everything not mentioned as Included
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 1h
Santa Maria Novella Basilica was founded by the Dominican Fathers at the beginning of 1200 and magnificently stands with its splendid Renaissance façade, in the namesake beautiful square. Inside it, you will have the chance to see masterpieces such as the "Crucifix" by Giotto the "Trinity" by Masaccio and the spectacular frescoes by Filippino Lippi and Ghirlandaio and also hear the story of the "mendicant order" of friars who have always been present in this church. Your tour ends inside the elegant "Green Cloister" so named for its beautiful murals in green earth by Paolo Uccello.
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Stop 2 · 30m
As early as the 14th century the Dominican monks of the Santa Maria Novella monastery, who cultivated the land belonging to the monastery behind the cloisters, were selling rose water to use as a disinfectant, primarily during periods of epidemic. In the 16th century, under the influence of Cosimo I de' Medici and his successors, who took a profound interest in the natural sciences, and with the founding of the first "Giardino dei Semplici” (medicinal plants), the monks began to cultivate a wide variety of plants, distil herbs and flowers and prepare essences, ointments and balms. The current "workshop" at Santa Maria Novella dates back to 1612, a period when apothecaries were plying their trade here, which you will have an opportunity to visit after seeing the Basilica. Here, within the ancient halls that form part of the old Dominican monastery, beneath the vaulted ceilings with their magnificent frescoes and surrounded by the aromatic scent of herbs from the Tuscan countryside, you will be captivated by the irresistible and extraordinary products that are known and acknowledged throughout the world. A real “top must see” amazing place!
Meeting point
Starting Time: Morning Option at 10:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm
Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Maria Novella Basilica
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica take?
The experience lasts about 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $132.85 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants; Local professional Guide at your side.
Where does it start?
Starting Time: Morning Option at 10:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Maria Novella Basilica
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in German, English, Italian, French, Spanish.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Florence.
