From what I seeing, many of the churches have museums but there are separate entrance fees for each. The Firenze Card covers the museums but not the churches. Should we visit both the church and the museum? Is one 'better' than the other?
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Most churches don't have entrance fees per se, unless you want to visit a particular part of the church. I find that the museum helps me to understand the church, such as the Museo dell' Opere del Duomo (museum of the works of art of the cathedral).
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
Zoe's right, most churches (in Italy) don't have entrance fees. Since Florence separates the art from the cathedral (as in the duomo), you have to pay to see that art. As a result, this kind of makes the cathedral a bit sterile, as much of the art is absent. The museums are often worthwhile, though, as you can stand alone in a room with a (unfinished) michaelangelo. The Duomo museum is also quite informative on Brunelleschi's construction.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, United States
174 posts
Santa Maria Novella charges a small fee, but the wonderful Massacio Trinita and the Ghirlandaio frescos are more than worth it, and they are in the church itself. They just need a little money for upkeep. I think the Brancacci Chapel has a ticket price too, but it, too, is wonderful. I second the recommendation of the Museo of the Duomo: I like it better than the Duomo itself!