Considered the birthplace of Renaissance, Florence is the capital of Tuscany. Its historic center is one of the most visited in the world and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Florence is also in the top fifty fashion capitals of the world. The old districts still define the geography of Florence: you can know more information in the following sections about Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, Oltrarno (San Frediano + Santo Spirito) and Duomo – Cathedral areas and their incredible artistic heritage. Habitat Apartments provide high quality apartments in central Florence, close to Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and the Brunelleschi Dome.
Essential: the visit to the oldest pharmacy in Europe.
Famous for: its station and the fashion fairs
In three words: cosmopolitan, always moving, tireless
Always depending on how to get to the city, you can catch a train and have a romantic and exciting instant when you get to see Firenze S.M.N. From this moment you’re officially in Florence! The station is located in the city centre, just 10 minutes from the Duomo, and 5 minutes from the Fortezza da Basso, where the most important fairs in Florence take place. The area is cosmopolitan and versatile in terms of experiences. It’s cheerful, pretty and a bit confusing for moving around.
HISTORY: Santa Maria Novella is one of the most historical districts of the city, represented by its red colour, which is synonym of the historic Florentine football. The area spreads across the Basilica, with a Dominican origin, considered one of the most important works of Florentine Renaissance and of the plaza, which has been recently renovated. The presence of the train and bus stations is obviously great for this part of town that is always on the move. Furthermore it’s located between the historical pedestrian centre and the streets that surround the city. Just 5 minutes from the Fortezza da Basso, hosting conferences, concerts and other national and international initiatives. For those who look for an apartment in Florence, Santa Maria Novella is, without a question, an option that provides many benefits.
AMBIENCE: It’s known that the neighborhoods surrounding stations have a particular environment. Santa Maria Novella confirms it and denies it at the same time. It’s a precious area, full of places to visit, with a strategic and convenient location. Depending on the road you’re following, you’ll notice a very cosmopolitan essence which has no comparison. There are ethnic restaurants and typical taverns on both sides of the street. It’s advisable though, that you know exactly where you’re going and how.
PLACES: The Fortezza da Basso: constantly housing exhibitions and events of all kind and for all tastes, frequently organized for an international audience. In summertime there are festivals and concerts. In any case the recently-renovated plaza and the famous Swan Fountain are definitely worth seing.
The Santa Maria Novella pharmacy is Europe’s oldest one: beautiful, simple and austere- a must see as well.
In the neighborhood there are at least three important churches: Santa Maria Novella, with views to the plaza, is one of the most important structures in the city. It’s also important to highlight the large windows by Filippino Lippi and the frescoes by Ghirlandaio. The Piazza Ognissanti is one of the few examples of baroque architecture in Florence. In the 15th century Botticelli and Ghirlandaio worked here. Santa Trinita, of late Romanesque style, faces the asymmetric square in the end of Via Tornabuoni, the corridor with the most prestigious shops in Florence. All national and international fashion brands have a luxury space here!
There are also three important palaces: Palazzo Strozzi, with views to Via Tornabuoni, which qualifies, without question, as one of the most beautiful buildings in Italy; the Palazzo Davanzati, which houses the Museum of the Old Florentine House and the Palazzo Rucellai, a perfect example of 15th century architecture with an Alberti façade.
Last but not least, the Marino Marini Museum, located in the old church of San Pancrazio, an architecturally interesting structure which features great works from the Tuscan artist.
Looking for the best apartments in Santa Maria Novella Florence?
Find your Florence apartament on the map
