Santa Maria Maggiore (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Santa Maria Maggiore?
What makes it 62% Kids-Friendly: Kids enter free and can hunt for fresco details in 15-20 mins; supervision is needed because touching is forbidden, and there are no toilets or activity zones.
Positives:
- Free entry: No admission fee lets you adjust visit length to kids’ moods.
- Step-free access: Entrance ramp works for strollers and small wheelchairs.
Challenges:
- Narrow aisles: Strollers may block passage in the nave.
- No restrooms inside: Closest toilet is 50m away at Piazza Santa Maria Novella (€1 fee).
What is Santa Maria Maggiore?
- An 11th-century Romanesque church later augmented with Gothic ogival arches and groin vaults
- Interior fresco cycles by Bernardino Poccetti and a Nativity by Matteo Rosselli alongside the polychrome stucco Madonna del Carmelo
- Sepulchral art including Brunetto Latini’s tomb and a 14th-century sarcophagus by Tino di Camaino
What is so special about Santa Maria Maggiore for with kids?
- Free entry to an 11th-century Romanesque church
- Interactive scavenger hunt keeps kids focused
- See Gothic arches and 13th-century frescoes
- Step-free ramp makes stroller access easy
- Compact layout fits a short family outing
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Short tours and a quick art hunt keep kids engaged without tiring them.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Santa Maria Maggiore
Art Scavenger Hunt:
Give kids a list of artworks to spot around the nave.
Tip: Include finding a frescoed vault, the Madonna relief, a marble column, the bronze lamp, and the Tino di Camaino sarcophagus.
Spot 13th-Century Frescoes:
See Bernardino Poccetti’s ‘Histories of St. Zenobius’ series.
Tip: Stand under each vault to view details; use morning light for best color.
Explore Romanesque Façade:
Examine carved capitals and the geometric marble patterns.
Tip: Count the blind arches and point out animal carvings to younger kids.
Visit the Madonna del Carmelo Chapel:
Discover the polychrome stucco relief of the Madonna.
Tip: Bring a small flashlight to highlight the soft relief details in the dim chapel.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Santa Maria Maggiore
- Arrive at opening: Visit at 8 AM to enjoy soft light on frescoes and fewer visitors.
- Prep a scavenger list: Print or draw art items for kids to find before you enter.
Reviews of Santa Maria Maggiore
Sunshine girl
Beautiful church. Definitely a must see. Pope Francis is buried here. Go down to the museum near the bathrooms to see amazing papal items and old roman architecture.
Timothy Dunn
Celebrated Mass here several days last spring and it was nothing short of awe inspiring! Loved the sacredness and spirit filled space. Absolutely gorgeous!
Brad
This is one of Florence's oldest churches with a history that dates back to the the 8th century. The building you see today however was originally constructed in the 11th-century while major restorations also took place in the 13th-century giving it both Romanesque and Gothic characteristics that you see today. The exterior is subtle, bleak, fairly representative of Romanesque style churches. Th...
Priyam Ghosh
The church is small and ancient. But what a beauty it is! I was pleasantly surprised after entering. I visited the church on Christmas 2022 and it was really well decorated with flowers and all. If you have a few minutes to spare and witness something ancient and beautiful, this church is a must visit!
Spyridon Kakouris (SpirosK)
Yet another beautiful church in the city of Florence with lots of beautiful works of art inside. Hop in, take a good look around, hop out. If you got 30 minutes to spare and appreciate art, give it a go.
When is the best time to visit Santa Maria Maggiore (Florence, Italy)?
In summer visit before noon to avoid heat. In winter afternoons offer gentler light on murals.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | EUR 0 |
| Audio guide rental (per device) | EUR 5 |
| Public toilet fee | EUR 1 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 6 |
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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Map of Santa Maria Maggiore
Address: Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
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About Santa Maria Maggiore
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+39 055 21591410 BEST nearby Activities
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