Santa Maria Novella: The Historic Heartbeat of Florence

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [graht-zee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dees-pyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vaht-teh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsee-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [po-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seh-tteh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh ow-toh-boost]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh pehr]

The neighbourhood of Santa Maria Novella is named after the church established by the Dominican Order in the 13th century. Construction began in 1279 and was completed in the 14th century, becoming one of the most important Gothic churches in Florence. Its façade, designed by Leon Battista Alberti in the 15th century, exemplifies Renaissance architecture and marks a significant evolution in the region's religious and cultural landscape.

During the Renaissance, Santa Maria Novella became a central hub for Florentine society. The church housed prominent artworks, including masterpieces by artists such as Giotto and Masaccio. The surrounding area flourished with the construction of palaces and public buildings, reflecting the wealth and power of the city-state of Florence. Notably, the pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, established in the 13th century, is one of the oldest in the world and continues to operate, showcasing traditional herbal remedies.

The Medici family, who rose to prominence in the 15th century, played a significant role in the development of the Santa Maria Novella area. They commissioned various artworks and enhancements to the church and its surroundings. The family's patronage not only elevated the status of Santa Maria Novella but also solidified Florence's reputation as a center of art and culture during the Renaissance.

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century had a profound impact on Santa Maria Novella, as it did across Europe. The Dominican Order faced challenges, leading to reforms within the church and its practices. Florence remained predominantly Catholic, and the church adapted to maintain its influence, continuing to serve as a site for important religious and cultural events.

During World War II, Santa Maria Novella, like many historical sites in Florence, faced the threat of damage from bombings. Fortunately, the neighbourhood escaped significant destruction, allowing for the preservation of its architectural and cultural heritage. Post-war restoration efforts focused on repairing and maintaining Santa Maria Novella, reinforcing its status as a vital part of Florence's historical narrative.

Santa Maria Novella is centrally located in Florence, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. If you are arriving by train, the Santa Maria Novella train station is the main railway station in Florence and is just a short walk from the neighborhood. For those coming from other parts of the city, local buses stop frequently at Santa Maria Novella. The area is also well-connected to other neighborhoods by walking, as many attractions are within a 15-20 minute stroll.

Once in Santa Maria Novella, getting around is simple. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, and many sites can be reached on foot. For longer distances, local buses operate frequently. Taxis are available around the train station, and you can also rent bicycles from various bike-sharing services available in the city. Additionally, several electric scooters can be found scattered throughout the area for an easy and fun way to navigate the streets.

Santa Maria Novella is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas and remain vigilant in busy spots, particularly around the train station. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur near tourist hotspots. It is advisable to stay away from poorly lit streets at night and to be cautious in less populated areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services in Italy. If you require medical assistance, there are several hospitals nearby, including the Careggi University Hospital. It is essential to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the neighborhood for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Don't wear overly casual attire like beachwear in the city. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'. Don't forget to say thank you with a 'Grazie'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties, such as ribollita or pappa al pomodoro. Don't rush through your meal; dining is seen as a leisurely activity.

To experience Santa Maria Novella like a local, explore the Mercato di San Lorenzo, where you can find fresh produce, leather goods, and local delicacies. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, not just for its art but also to enjoy the tranquility of the cloisters. Engage with local baristas in the cafes; they often appreciate a friendly chat. For a delightful evening, stroll through the neighborhood as the sun sets, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for an aperitivo at a local bar.