Santa Maria del Carmine, Minor basilica in Oltrarno district, Florence, Italy
Santa Maria del Carmine is a basilica in the Oltrarno district with an incomplete stone facade, a Latin cross layout, and a single nave. Five altars line each side of the interior, and one chapel holds Renaissance frescoes that many visitors come to see.
Construction began in 1268 as a Carmelite convent church that shaped the neighborhood for centuries. A fire in 1771 destroyed the interior but sparked major rebuilding that gave the church much of what visitors see today.
The Brancacci Chapel draws visitors with Renaissance frescoes showing biblical scenes painted by master artists. People come specifically to see these works and spend time reflecting in front of them.
The church is easy to reach and open during most of the day, allowing flexible visiting. Plan time to see the frescoed chapel, as this is why most visitors come.
The Corsini Chapel holds marble reliefs and ceiling paintings that receive less attention than the better-known frescoes elsewhere in the building. This overlooked artwork offers a quieter experience for those who venture beyond the main attractions.
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