Merchants and Bankers

This tour kicks off at the Church of Santa Maria Novella, home to the Dominican Order, which historically wielded significant influence in Florentine life. You’ll see how the friary’s growth spurred the development of the entire neighborhood. Admire the seamless blend of Gothic architecture and Leon Battista Alberti’s Renaissance facade—a groundbreaking masterpiece. You’ll even spot ancient sundials and armillary spheres, showing the friars’ interest in astronomy.
Inside, prepare to be captivated by Masaccio’s “Trinity”, but first, we’ll examine Giotto’s “Crucifix” to understand the roots of Renaissance art. We’ll then compare it with Brunelleschi’s wooden “Crucifix” before moving on to the Ghirlandaio frescoes in the Main Chapel, where even a young Michelangelo got his start! You’ll also see a vivid depiction of Dante’s Inferno before entering the cloister.
Next, we head to Palazzo Strozzi, once home to a powerful merchant family that rivaled the Medici. Discover how this palace emerged, reflecting the changing needs and aspirations of wealthy Renaissance families and the deep connection between business and architecture. As we stroll along Via Tornabuoni, you’ll glimpse the grand homes of Florence’s noble families before reaching Piazza Santa Trinita. Here, we’ll pause at Palazzo Bartolini-Salimbeni to uncover another tale of Florentine commercial success driven by luck and daring.
Our final stop is the Church of Santa Trinita, focusing on the Sassetti Chapel. Its exquisite frescoes by Ghirlandaio perfectly capture the essence of Florence’s prosperous merchant and banking elite.

Ready to step back in time and uncover the secrets of Renaissance Florence?