Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ForthebestlookatworksbyMasaccio(oneoftheearlyRenaissancepioneersofperspective
in painting), see his restored frescoes here. Instead of medieval religious symbols, Masac-
cio's paintings feature simple, strong human figures with facial expressions that reflect their
emotions. The accompanying works of Masolino and Filippino Lippi provide illuminating
contrasts.
Yourticket includes a40-minute filminEnglishonthechurch,thefrescoes, andRenais-
sanceFlorence(reserveaviewingtimewhenyoubookyourentry).Thefilmstartspromptly
at the topofthe hour(first shownat 10:00,last shownat 15:00).Computer animation brings
the paintings to life—making them appear to move and giving them 3-D depth—while nar-
ration describes the events depicted in the panels. Yes, it's a long time commitment, and the
filmtakeslibertieswiththeart.Butit'svisuallyinterestingandyourbestwaytoseethefres-
coes close up. The film works great either before or after you visit the frescoes.
Cost and Hours:
€4, covered by Firenze Card, free and easy reservations re-
quired—although on weekdays and any day off-season, it's usually possible to walk right
in if you arrive before 15:30, €8 combo-ticket with Palazzo Vecchio, includes worthwhile
40-minute film in English—reserve viewing time when you book entry, Mon and Wed-Sat
10:00-17:00, Sun 13:00-17:00, closed Tue, last entry 30 minutes before closing, in Church
ofSantaMariadelCarmine,reservationstel.055-276-8224or055-276-8558,ticketdesktel.
055-284-361,
www.museicivicifiorentini.it
.
Reservations:
Reserving an entry time is required (and free), but if you come before
15:30, you can usually just show up and be assigned a time more or less right away. Offi-
cially,reservationtimesbeginevery15minutes,withamaximumof30visitorspertimeslot
(youhave15minutesinsidethechapel).Butwhenit'snottoobusy,theygenerallyletpeople
come and go at will, and stay as long as they like.
The most crowded time is around 16:00, just before closing time; the least crowded time
tends to be 12:00-14:00. If, before you head out for the sight, you want to find out if there's
alongline,youcancallaheadtotheticketdeskjusttoaskhowbusyitis(tel.055-284-361).
Firenze Card users don't need a reservation at all, and can walk in whenever they like.
If it's worth the peace of mind for you to reserve in advance, you must call the chapel
at least a day ahead (tel. 055-276-8224 or 055-276-8558, English spoken, call center open
Mon-Sat9:30-17:00,Sun9:30-12:30).Ifthelineisbusy,keeptrying—it'sbesttocallaround
13:00-15:00.
DressCode:
ShortsandbareshouldersareOKinthechapel,butmodestdressisreques-
ted when visiting the rest of the church.
