The historic Santa Maria Novella Basilica in Florence stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Visitors can embark on a private guided tour to uncover the stunning frescoes and cloisters that have captivated art enthusiasts for centuries. Afterward, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the ancient Officina Profumo Farmaceutica, a renowned apothecary that has been crafting herbal remedies and perfumes since 1612. This immersive experience promises to transport guests back in time, revealing the fascinating intersection of Florence’s artistic and medicinal legacies.
About Your Stay
- This private guided tour includes visits to the Santa Maria Novella Basilica and the historic Officina Profumo Farmaceutica, lasting approximately 1.5 hours.
- The Basilica features significant artworks by renowned artists and the serene Green Cloister, while the Officina offers insights into Florence’s rich medicinal history.
- Admission fees for the Basilica are €7.50 for adults, €5.00 for ages 11-17, and free for children under 10, with a local professional guide included.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and transportation arrangements should be confirmed prior to booking, as no hotel pickup/drop-off is provided.
- Guests can enjoy the tour’s highlights, including the Basilica’s architecture and artwork, as well as the Officina’s unique products and historical context.
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Contents
- About Your Stay
- Tour Overview
- Historical Significance of the Basilica
- Exploring the Basilica’s Cloisters
- Discovering the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica
- Duration and Admission Fees
- Guided Experience and Reviews
- Accessibility and Transportation
- Booking and Cancellation Policy
- Questions About Staying Here
- Can I Take Photographs Inside the Basilica?
- Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Basilica?
- Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Food/Drinks Inside?
- Can I Purchase Souvenirs From the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
- Is the Guided Tour Available in Multiple Languages?
- Worth The Stay
- Our Top Picks in Florence
- More Guided Tours in Florence
- More Tour Reviews in Florence
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Florence we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This private guided visit offers visitors the opportunity to explore the renowned Santa Maria Novella Basilica and the historic Officina Profumo Farmaceutica in Florence, Italy.
The tour is rated 4.0 based on 10 reviews and includes a guided exploration of the Basilica’s Cloisters and the ancient pharmacy.
The meeting point is the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The tour duration is 1 hour for the Basilica and 30 minutes for the pharmacy.
Admission to the Basilica is paid on-site, with adult tickets costing €7.50 and discounted rates for younger visitors.
The tour includes a local professional guide and earphones for groups over 7, but doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off or gratuities.
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Historical Significance of the Basilica
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella was founded in the 13th century by Dominican friars. This historic church features important artworks by renowned artists like Ghirlandaio, Giotto, and Masaccio.
Its frescoes, created by the renowned Paolo Uccello, adorn the walls. The Basilica’s Green Cloister, named for its frescoes, is another notable feature.
Established in 1612, the adjacent Officina Profumo Farmaceutica was originally focused on producing medicinal balms. This ancient pharmacy, still in operation today, offers visitors a unique glimpse into Florence’s rich history and its legacy of pharmacology.
Exploring the Basilica’s Cloisters
As part of the guided tour, visitors can explore the Basilica’s serene cloisters.
The Green Cloister, named for its lush frescoes, is a highlight. Visitors will marvel at the intricate and vibrant paintings depicting scenes from the Old Testament, created by the renowned artist Paolo Uccello.
The peaceful atmosphere of the cloisters provides a welcome respite from the bustling streets outside. Guests can take their time admiring the architectural details and imagining the daily lives of the Dominican friars who once inhabited this space.
The tour guide’s insights bring the history and significance of the cloisters to life, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Discovering the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica
After exploring the serene cloisters of the Basilica, the guided tour leads visitors to the historic Officina Profumo Farmaceutica.
Founded in 1612, this ancient pharmacy originally focused on medicinal balms and tonics. Today, it offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and discover its centuries-old legacy.
Guests can browse the shelves lined with traditional herbal remedies and fragrant perfumes. The guide provides insights into the pharmacy’s storied past and the evolution of its products.
While some visitors feel the time allotted is brief, the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica remains a captivating highlight of the overall tour experience.
Duration and Admission Fees
This private guided visit of the Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica lasts approximately 1 hour for the Basilica itself, followed by 30 minutes dedicated to exploring the historic Officina Profumo Farmaceutica.
Admission to the Basilica is paid on-site, with adult tickets costing €7.50 and discounted tickets for ages 11-17 at €5.00. Children under 10 can enter the Basilica for free.
The tour includes a local professional guide and earphones for groups over 7 people, but hotel pickup/drop-off and gratuities aren’t included.
Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
Guided Experience and Reviews
The guides on this private tour provide in-depth knowledge and assistance with photography throughout the Basilica and Officina Profumo Farmaceutica. While some visitors felt rushed during the pharmacy portion, the overall guided experience is highlighted by the beauty of the Basilica and the unique offerings of the ancient pharmacy.
| Guided Experience | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Knowledge level | 5/5 |
| Photography assistance | 4/5 |
| Basilica exploration | 4.5/5 |
| Pharmacy experience | 3.5/5 |
| Overall satisfaction | 4/5 |
The Basilica’s stunning architecture and artworks leave a lasting impression, while the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica provides a glimpse into the facility’s rich medicinal history.
Accessibility and Transportation
The Santa Maria Novella Basilica isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation options.
Visitors can reach the meeting point at the Basilica’s square via bus or train. The nearest train station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella, just a short walk away.
Guests should confirm their transportation arrangements prior to the tour, as hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.
While the Basilica itself may pose accessibility challenges, the guided experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the site’s rich history and architectural wonders.
Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot on this popular tour.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Visitors receive confirmation at the time of booking for the private guided visit of the Santa Maria Novella Basilica in Florence.
The tour operator, CAF Tour and Travel, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.
The tour, priced starting from SEK 1,238.26, varies depending on group size.
The tour includes a local professional guide, earphones for groups over 7, and admission to the Basilica, which must be paid on-site.
The Basilica ticket costs €7.50 for adults, €5.00 for ages 11-17, and is free for children under 10.
Questions About Staying Here
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Basilica?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside the Santa Maria Novella Basilica, but they should be respectful and avoid using flash or disturbing other visitors. The tour guide can provide guidance on appropriate photography etiquette.
Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Basilica?
There is generally a dress code for visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious nature of the site.
Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Food/Drinks Inside?
According to the tour information, there are no explicit restrictions mentioned about bringing food or drinks inside the Santa Maria Novella Basilica. However, visitors should be respectful and refrain from consuming items that may disturb the sacred nature of the space.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs From the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica?
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs from the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica. The ancient pharmacy offers a range of unique products, including fragrances, soaps, and other specialty items that make for excellent keepsakes from the Florence visit.
Is the Guided Tour Available in Multiple Languages?
The guided tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Visitors can inquire about language options when booking the tour to ensure it meets their needs.
Private Guided Visit of Florence Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Its Officina Profumo Farmaceutica
“Lovely guide and incredibly informative- gave us lots of knowledge . Very interesting with the delight of the pharmacy at the end ! It was quite q…”
Worth The Stay
The private guided visit to the Santa Maria Novella Basilica and the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica offers a captivating glimpse into Florence’s rich cultural and medicinal heritage. Visitors can enjoy the Basilica’s remarkable architecture and artwork, then discover the ancient pharmacy’s legacy of herbal remedies and perfumes. This experience provides an invaluable opportunity for history enthusiasts to explore the city’s renowned landmarks and uncover the stories that have shaped its past.
