Home » Basilica of Santa Maria Novella Opening Hours and Holidays

Detail of the lateral arches in perspective in white marble of the famous church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence Italy, black and white photograph

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – Timings

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella follows a specific schedule that varies according to the day of the week and the religious calendar.

Monday to Thursday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM

Friday and Civil Holidays: 11 AM - 5:30 PM

Saturday and Days before Religious Holidays: 9 AM - 5 PM

Sunday and Religious Holidays: 1 PM - 5 PM

Last Admission: Entry to the Santa Maria Novella Complex, including the Basilica, Museum, and Cloisters, is permitted until one hour before the scheduled closing time.

Specific Religious Holidays: The Sunday schedule applies to January 1, January 6, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25, and Holy Easter.

Closures: The complex is closed to visitors and open only for prayer on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Public Holidays: These follow the timetable of the specific day of the week on which they occur.

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Santa Maria Novella + Video Guide

Highlights

Avoid queues and enter Santa Maria Novella directly.

Explore the basilica’s remarkable art and architecture from the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras.

Listen to an audio guide available in English and four other languages.

Marvel at notable frescoes, cloisters, and Gothic design within the basilica.

Discover historical decorations related to the 1348 plague.

FAQs about the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella Timings

What are the standard opening hours for the basilica on a weekday?

From Monday to Thursday, the complex is open to the public from 9 AM until 5:30 PM

Why does the venue open later on Fridays?

On Fridays and civil holidays, the visiting hours begin at 11 AM and run until 5:30 PM

Can I visit the basilica on Sunday mornings?

General sightseeing on Sundays and religious holidays is restricted to the afternoon, starting at 1 PM

When is the latest possible time to enter the complex?

Final admission for the Basilica, Museum, and Cloisters is granted exactly 60 minutes before the daily closing time.

Is the site open for sightseeing during the Easter weekend?

The complex is closed to visitors for sightseeing on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, remaining open for prayer only.

Which specific religious holidays follow the Sunday schedule?

The Sunday timetable applies on January 1, January 6, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25, and Holy Easter.

Do public holidays affect the visiting hours?

Public holidays generally follow the standard timetable of the day of the week on which they occur.

Are the cloisters and museum open at the same time as the church?

Yes, the admission hours apply to the entire Santa Maria Novella complex, including the church, museum, and cloisters.