By Becca Baitel
Firenze’s Santo Spirito neighborhood has an unparalleled, captivating charm which truly encapsulates the authentic Florentine experience. Walking down the street on a typical day, visitors can hear the sounds of bustling, open-air markets, smells of fresh produce, and the warm, inviting melody of church bells. Tucked away on the south side of the Arno River in the Oltrarno quarter, Santo Spirito is most notably home to the Basilica Santo Spirito, or the Church of the Holy Spirit. Donning a Renaissance architecture style, the church attracts the public on every day of the week except Wednesdays when it is closed. Behind its noticeably unadorned exterior in comparison to many other Florentine churches, its true beauty is displayed inside where visitors can discover some of Michelangelo’s earliest work, as well as the unique design and columns by architect, Filippo Brunelleschi. The Basilica faces the main square, which alone boasts plenty of trattorias, markets, galleries, and shops, catering to every age and interest. With its convenient location steps from the esteemed Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita bridges, Santo Spirito is a must-see for every traveler and student alike.
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