Santa Maria Novella: the Church, the Pharmacy, the Museum

Recommended by 91% of travelers

Florence, Italy

3 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Step inside one of Florence’s spiritual gems with a guided tour of the Santa Maria de Novella church, a Gothic-Renaissance design that’s steeped in centuries of Florentine history. Admire evocative frescoes and devotional sculptures by Giotto, Brunelleschi, and Ghirlandaio that decorate the chapels while a guide explains their meaning and importance. For a sensory treat that combines the feel of a medieval apothecary with the fragrance of luxury Italian perfume, browse elixirs and bath products in the little-known pharmacy tucked within the church walls.

Private, 3-hour tour of Santa Maria Novella Square and Church
Learn the history behind one of churches and public squares
Admire Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto, Brunelleschi, and others
Explore the symbolism of masterful frescoes, crucifixes, and trinities
Visit the historic pharmacy inside the church
Shop for handmade perfumes, elixirs, and bath products in an apothecary
Private guide for a more personalized experience

What's Included

Professional guide
Private tour

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Pharmacy products (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Santa Maria Novella, Firenze FI, Italy
In front of the Church of Santa Maria Novella

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Santa Maria Novella

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation

Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Reviews

4.8

based on 11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Helpful insights!

Candice_R, Apr 2026

Our tour guide was excellent! Not only did she give us wonderful insights to Maria Novella and its pharmacy, but she had great recommendations about other places to go and see while we were in Florence. Her advice prepared us to know what to look for when viewing paintings and sculptures at other sites -- making those future visits much more enjoyable!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you!

Fun and enjoyable!!

Lila_T, Oct 2025

My husband and I enjoyed this tour. She was very knowledgeable about what we were seeing. We would highly recommend this tour!

Christina was fantastic!

Christina_M, Jun 2025

Christina was amazing, she’s so knowledgeable and accommodating. Her English is perfect. I would love to have more tours with her in the future she’s excellent 10/10

Excellent tour of Santa Maria Novella

Mark_G, Dec 2024

Alex was an excellent guide. He took time to explain even the smallest detail and is clearly in love with the art and the history of the subject of this tour but also with Florence itself. Highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in art and Florence

Great tour of Santa Maria Novella

Katherine_G, Oct 2023

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. We learned a lot and enjoyed it immensely. Individual pieces of art were discussed as well as how the church was woven into the fabric of historic Florence.

Surprising how much art work was in the church.

Gina_D, Oct 2022

Our guide was very knowledgeable about Santa Maria Novella and pleasant to spend two hours with! Lots to see at this church.

Impressive location - but headphones would have helped for translation

Doug_K, Oct 2022

The church and grounds are beautiful. Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided historical background. Given her accent, it was hard to capture everything and we'd have been better served with earphones.