San Lorenzo in Firenze in Cittΰ Metropolitana di Firenze, Tuscany, Italy — Southern and Western Europe (Mediterranean)
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore
⎯⎯⎯
Church of Saint Mary Major
Inscription.
Ι documentata dal 931 ma esisteva giΰ nell'VIII sec. Vassata ai Cistercensi, venne ricostruita in forme gotiche nel XIII sec. La struttura cistercense θ riconoscibile dalle tre navate divise da arcate a sesto acuto su pilastri quadrangolari, con tre absidiole a fondo piano. Della struttura romanica resta la torre campanaria mozzata, dove θ murata una testa di epoca tardoromana, la cosiddetta "Berta". Nella cappella maggiore, affreschi trecenteschi con le Storie di Erode e la strage degli Innocenti, attribuiti a Jacopo di Cione e a Mariotto di Nardo. Nella cappella di sinistra del transetto, Madonna col Bambino (XIII sec.), bassorilievo ligneo policromo e dorato riferito a Coppo da Marcovaldo, e una colonna che segnala la tomba di Brunetto Latini.
It is documented from 931 but already existed in the 8th century. Having passed to the Cistercians, it was rebuilt in gothic style in the 13th century. The Cistercian structure is recognisable in the nave divided from the aisles by pointed arches springing from square piers, with three chapels at the east end. Of the romaneque structure there remains the truncated belfry, which has set into it a late-antique head known as Berta. In the sanctuary are 14th-century frescoes showing "King Herod and the Massacre of the Innocents", attributed to Jacopo di Ciome and Mariotto di Nanda In the chapel to the left of the choir is a "Madonna and Child" (13th century), a painted and gilded wooden bas-relief attributed to Coppo da Marcovaldo, and a column from the tomb of Brunetto Latini, Dante's master.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 931 CE.
Location. 43° 46.401′ N, 11° 15.175′ E. Marker is in Firenze, Toscana (Tuscany), in Cittΰ Metropolitana di Firenze. It is in San Lorenzo. It is on Via de' Cerretani east of Via di Vecchietti, on the right when traveling east. The marker is next to the north wall of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore 1, Firenze, Toscana 50123, Italy. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, the Schengen Area, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire, and specifically the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Giuseppe Dolfi (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Giuseppe Dolfi (about 150 meters away); Restaurato e Sostituzione della Porta Nord di Lorenzo Ghiberti (about 180 meters away); Croce al Trebbio / Cross to the Three Roads (about 210 meters away); Arciconfraternita della Misericordia / Archconfraternity of Mercy (about 210 meters away); Giovanni delle Bande Nere Statue
(approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Angela Todesco Benedetti (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Museo Marino Marini (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Firenze.
More about this marker. The marker is readable but has some graffiti on its edges.
Also see . . . Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore (Church of Saint Mary Major), Florence. From the GPSmyCity site
Excerpt: "Originally constructed in the 11th century, Florence's Santa Maria Maggiore may not possess the same grandeur as other churches in Florence, but it is undeniably beautiful. In the 13th century, it underwent extensive Gothic-style renovations to its facade and sides; however, the exterior retains a relatively plain appearance, characterized by stone walls and portals crowned with tympani. The bell tower, a remnant of the Romanesque structure, still stands, albeit reduced in height. Interestingly, it features a mysterious carving of a woman's head popularly known as 'Berta' embedded in its walls."(Submitted on September 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.



