Where to stay near Florence’s Santa Maria Novella

Dating back to the 13th century, Santa Maria Novella is one of Florence’s oldest churches. Its spectacular white and green marble facade is a blend of Romanesque and Renaissance designs, while its vaulted interior is more Gothic in style.

You can find the church and its treasure trove of artwork in the Santa Maria Novella district, surrounded by beautiful buildings with renovated apartments inside. We’ve rounded up four of the best.

One Step Florence

One Step Florence is a 2-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella, and even closer to the central train station of the same name. There’s a fresh and pleasant feel in the apartment, with pale grey furniture, and creamy-coloured canvases hanging on bright white walls. Both bedrooms are bright, while in the living room a huge smart TV takes centre stage. Nearby, you’ll find San Lorenzo food market which is stocked with fresh ingredients daily – ideal for home cooking in your fully equipped kitchen.

FLR – Santa Maria Novella Apartment

Step inside FLR – Santa Maria Novella Apartment and the first thing you’ll notice is the antique wooden ceiling frame, decorated with blue paint and floral shapes, covering the whole apartment. Beneath this is an open-plan kitchen and living area, filled with plants, roomy wardrobes and comfy sofas where you can relax after a day’s sightseeing. A 2-minute stroll separates you from Santa Maria Novella, while Ponte Vecchio – the city’s oldest bridge – is a little bit further along.

Apartment Santa Maria Novella

Tucked away down a quiet side street less than five minutes from Santa Maria Novella, this duplex-style apartment comfortably sleeps four guests in its two double bedrooms. Wooden beams, a white spiral staircase and an antique dining table combine to give the place a rustic feel, while flashy city prints and a flat-screen TV provide a more modern touch. You can make your own meals using Apartment Santa Maria Novella’s small kitchenette, or feast on the fresh pastries of Deanna Bar Pasticceria, a popular breakfast café that’s just over the road.

Novella Balcony

The shady terrace of Novella Balcony gives you a private outdoor space to enjoy meals and sunbathe to your heart’s content. Back inside, the bedrooms are characterised by tiled floors and exposed brick ceilings held up by wooden beams. Major sights like Santa Maria Novella and Strozzi Palace take five minutes to reach on foot, keeping you within walking distance but away from the most crowded areas. And there are lots of restaurants nearby too – try Osteria del Centopoveri, an authentic Tuscan eatery that’s great value for money.