What makes it 88% Solo-Friendly: The quiet nave, €2 art route, and downloadable audio guide give a solo traveler rich, inexpensive art time; ramps and wide aisles make moving alone straightforward.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Covers free church visit, the €2 Augustinian Tour, and time to sketch or reflect in the piazza.
Explore the Main Nave:
Walk through Brunelleschi’s vaulted nave and side chapels.
Tip: No entry fee; photograph column details but avoid flash.
Join the Augustinian Tour:
Visit the Sacristy, cloister, and refectory with Michelangelo’s Crucifix.
Tip: Buy the €2 ticket at the turnstile; tours run daily except Wednesday; use the Rambl app for audio commentary.
Sketch or Journal in Silence:
Sit on a nave pew to draw the arches or write travel notes.
Tip: Bring a small sketchbook; step outside for coffee in Piazza Santo Spirito afterward.
Attend Evening Vespers:
Experience a short candlelit service for a moment of calm.
Tip: Check the basilica website for Vespers and Mass times before you go.

Carol G
Stayed in a nearby apartment and still miss these church bells now that I am home. The history and architecture is definitely worth a visit but attending Mass here was a game changer. Plus, there is a bonus Michelangelo treasure and beautiful cloister garden. Don't let the simple, austere fascade fool you. This place is special.
Jonathan Taylor
Nice, quiet church with beautiful architecture. Not too crowded, which made it a peaceful stop during my visit to Florence. Worth a quick look if you're nearby
Özgür Kaya
It is not as popular as many other places but I think the most original church in Florence is Santo Spirito. It has an incredible atmosphere. There is an intertwined altar section/altar/mihrab inside. It is worth seeing just for that. It had a very different design. I was very impressed. The house was right in the center of the church. Moreover, it was free. There is also a statue of Jesus made by...
Seokjin Ham
Built in the early 15th century on the site of an Augustinian monastery destroyed by fire, the basilica was designed by Renaissance master Filippo Brunelleschi. He began the design in 1434, though construction did not begin in earnest until after his death in 1446, with his pupils completing the church in 1487. The exterior remains unfinished, clad in simple gray stone, reflecting the fact that Br...
Brad
This is a large Augustinian church with a history dating back nearly a thousand years. However, the building that you see today was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi (1428-1446). The main body of the church is free to visit but a 2 Euro entry fee required to access the cloister and sacristy where the crucifix by Michelangelo is to be seen. The basilica exterior is subtle and unassuming. The interi...
In summer, arrive before 10 AM to avoid heat in the unairconditioned interior. In winter, wear a light jacket as stone floors can feel chilly.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Church entry | EUR 0 |
| Augustinian Tour ticket | EUR 2 |
| Coffee in piazza | EUR 3 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 30, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
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