Santi Apostoli is a small Romanesque Catholic church on Piazza del Limbo, a quiet stop away from Florence’s busiest tourist streets. Inside, look for the wooden vaulted ceiling, green marble columns, Della Robbia terracotta work and the Holy Sepulcher. A coin-operated light near the entrance makes the artworks easier to see. The church is also used for prayer and services, including Mass in English; check its current schedule before planning around one.
A small Romanesque church
Santi Apostoli stands on Piazza del Limbo, away from Florence’s busiest tourist streets. Its Romanesque features have been preserved alongside later artworks and furnishings. The green marble columns have composite capitals; the first two are thought to have come from nearby Roman baths.
The church was badly damaged in the 1966 floods. Its interior still holds works that reward a slow look, including a large terracotta tabernacle by Giovanni della Robbia in the left aisle.
Artworks to look for
The terracotta tabernacle is one of the main works to seek out. The church also contains a panel of the Immaculate Conception by Vasari, dated 1541, in the third chapel on the right. Other details include the wooden vaulted ceiling, the Holy Sepulcher, described as a fire holder, and the tomb of Oddo Altoviti.
A coin-operated machine near the entrance illuminates the church interior. Insert €1 to light it for a few minutes and make the artworks easier to see.
Prayer and English services
Santi Apostoli is an active place of worship as well as a historic church. English-language Mass has been listed for Sundays at 10:30 am, and an UpperRoom gathering for college students and young professionals has been listed on Tuesdays at 6 pm. Schedules can change, so check the church’s social media or contact details before arranging your visit around a service.
Getting inside
The route from Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli is level, but the approach includes a narrow passage and two steps down into the courtyard. A small side door has also been noted, with a very low step, but access to it is from inside. If you cannot manage steps, the entrance may not be suitable; contact the church to ask about access before travelling.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Santi Apostoli in Florence?
The church is at Piazza del Limbo 1, Florence.
Is there a charge to see the artworks?
The interior lighting machine takes a €1 coin and illuminates the church for a few minutes. The supplied information does not state an entry fee.
When is Mass in English?
Sunday Mass in English has been listed for 10:30 am. Check the church’s social media or contact it to confirm the current schedule.
Is Santi Apostoli accessible for wheelchair users?
The approach from Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli is level, but the route has a narrow passage and two steps into the courtyard. Contact the church before visiting if you need step-free access.
