Santa Felicita, Renaissance church in Oltrarno district, Florence, Italy
Santa Felicita is a Renaissance church in the Oltrarno district, rebuilt after 1736 by Ferdinando Ruggieri with a single nave and symmetrical chapels throughout. The interior displays classical architectural elements and houses important artworks spanning different periods.
The site dates to the 2nd century when Syrian merchants established a Christian community south of the Arno River. The building was substantially renewed in the 18th century and has shaped the district ever since.
The Capponi Chapel displays artworks by Pontormo that shaped Florentine Mannerist expression and move visitors through their emotional intensity. These paintings show how artists of the time channeled religious passion into their compositions.
The entrance is on the side and includes a ramp for accessible entry. Visitors should plan to come during daylight hours to see the interior in natural light.
The Vasari Corridor passes through the church facade and contains a hidden window where Medici rulers observed mass unseen. This concealed detail reveals the privacy needs of the city's most powerful families.
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