Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

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Santa Maria Novella is a Dominican church in Florence. It is considered the most important Romano-Gothic church in Tuscany and is a World Heritage Site. Its construction started in 1290 and it took almost 200 years to be completed. It was consecreated in 1420.

Its distinctive façade has geometric patterns made from white and green marble. The Florentine Renaissance architect Leon Battista, designed the upper part of the façade, finished in 1470.

Its two most famous artworks are Giotto's Crucifix, that changed the way that Christ had been represented in the cross for two centuries, and Massacio's Holy Trinity, the first monumental Renaissance painting to utilize linear perspective.

Its building and decoration was financed by rich Florentine families, several of which were granted the privilege of funerary chapels inside the church.

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