Which is the oldest church in Florence, Italy?

The Basilica di San Lorenzo claims to be the oldest in Florence and in fact, records show it was consecrated in 393 by Saint Ambrose of Milan, who was considered one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. For three hundred years it was the city's cathedral before the official seat of the bishop was transferred to Santa Reparata.

The church is part of a larger monastic complex that contains other important architectural and artistic works: the Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi, with interior decoration and sculpture by Donatello; the Laurentian Library by Michelangelo; the New Sacristy based on Michelangelo's designs; and the Medici Chapels by Matteo Nigetti.

The church is the home to many important “firsts” in the world of art and architecture,

The Basilica di San Lorenzo (Basilica of St Lawrence) is one of the largest churches of Florence, Italy, situated at the centre of the city’s main market district, and the burial place of all the principal members of the Medici family from Cosimo il Vecchio to Cosimo III.

It was the parish church of the Medici family. Filippo Brunelleschi, the leading Renaissance architect, was commissioned to design its renovation, but the building was not completed until after his death.

More Info: www.visitflorence.com

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22 Comments

wordster

The real answer is none of the above. Not my opinion, the Italians will tell you that the oldest church in Florence is the Badia Fiorentina, which for some reason is not on your list. Might I suggest that a checking of facts might be in order?

Al Breyette

In the answer explanation it say the Basilica San Lorenzo CLAIMS to be the oldest church but if you look up the Florence web site you will find they list the Badia Floerentina as the oldest . I'll go with the city web site and not a church's claim. i got it right only because the real answer wasn't listed as an option.

eculleeney

Wrong Answer. Lived in Italy and went to Florence often. The Badia Fiorentina is the oldest church. Do your research.

Perk

Siri says it is Badia Fiorentina, and she is never wrong.

Cheryl Love

It’s actually the Badia Fiorentina. Ask someone who lives there.

Honini

Badia Fiorentina is the correct answer

Charles Borg

The Badia Fiorentina is the oldest church in Florence. It is located in the center of the city and the tall belltower is recognizable all over the city.

Mary Gini Fudge Chapman

Agree with wordster. Research shows the Badia Florentine is the oldest. Got it wrong anyway.

Bob Fowler

We have visited Florence but I still got it wrong.🥴

Peter de Loriol

wordster, Agreed. I visited it with my cousin, who happened to be one of the foremost art historians of Florence. He explained the history of the badia Fiorentina and how it was built.

Mariah Hartberg

The Badia Fiorentina is the oldest church in Florence. It is located in the center of the city and the tall belltower is recognizable all over the city.

Steve Edwards

Steve Edwards, I should add that it was also rebuilt much later, so this also confuses the matter, as Christians consider the church to be the more than just the building.

Steve Edwards

Those saying Badia Fiorentina are NOT correct. Badia Fiorentina was consecrated in 978AD, Basilica San Lorenzo was consecrated in 393AD. At the time San Lorenzo was outside the city walls which is why several churches claim to be the oldest church in Florence.