Brancacci Chapel (Cappella Brancacci) Tours
Located within Santa Maria del Carmine Church in Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood, the Brancacci Chapel (Cappella Brancacci) is one of the city’s most treasured landmarks. The chapel’s walls showcase recently restored frescoes painted in 1424 by Masaccio, who was only 21 at the time. His work is known to locals as the Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance.
The Basics
Don’t let Santa Maria del Carmine’s unassuming exterior fool you—the stunning interior makes it one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. In addition to Masaccio’s frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel, the church features the Corsini Chapel, which houses the remains of a 14th-century saint, and the convent, which has miraculously withstood the damage of several fires and floods.
The Brancacci Chapel is often included on walking tours of the Oltrarno neighborhood, which also features Piazzale Michelangelo, Santo Spirito Church, Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens. Private tours allow visitors to tack an extended chapel visit onto the day’s fully customized itinerary, ensuring a more in-depth overview of its history. Admission tickets and audio guides are also available online; purchase in advance to skip entrance lines. The chapel is also included on the Firenze Card, which grants access to more than 70 Florence landmarks, saving you time and money.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Brancacci Chapel is an easy 10-minute walk west of the Ponte Vecchio. The nearest transit stop is Carmine on bus C4, which conveniently stops at the church entrance located in Piazza del Carmine.
When to Get There
Santa Maria del Carmine is open from 10am to 5pm on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday; it is closed on Tuesdays. While the church and chapel rarely feel overly crowded, the best time to go for a quiet visit is first thing in the morning.
The Genius of Masaccio
Masaccio was known as the greatest painter of his generation, employing never-before-used techniques that deeply influenced Renaissance painting. He didn’t realize his full potential, as he died at the young age of 26—just 6 years after he began his work in the Brancacci Chapel. Masaccio’s painting was so influential that even Filippo Brunelleschi, architect of the Duomo, mourned his death.
The Basics
Don’t let Santa Maria del Carmine’s unassuming exterior fool you—the stunning interior makes it one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. In addition to Masaccio’s frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel, the church features the Corsini Chapel, which houses the remains of a 14th-century saint, and the convent, which has miraculously withstood the damage of several fires and floods.
The Brancacci Chapel is often included on walking tours of the Oltrarno neighborhood, which also features Piazzale Michelangelo, Santo Spirito Church, Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens. Private tours allow visitors to tack an extended chapel visit onto the day’s fully customized itinerary, ensuring a more in-depth overview of its history. Admission tickets and audio guides are also available online; purchase in advance to skip entrance lines. The chapel is also included on the Firenze Card, which grants access to more than 70 Florence landmarks, saving you time and money.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Brancacci Chapel is a must for art history buffs.
- Children under age 18 receive free admission.
- Audio guide tablets are available for rent upon arrival.
- The chapel is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Brancacci Chapel is an easy 10-minute walk west of the Ponte Vecchio. The nearest transit stop is Carmine on bus C4, which conveniently stops at the church entrance located in Piazza del Carmine.
When to Get There
Santa Maria del Carmine is open from 10am to 5pm on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday; it is closed on Tuesdays. While the church and chapel rarely feel overly crowded, the best time to go for a quiet visit is first thing in the morning.
The Genius of Masaccio
Masaccio was known as the greatest painter of his generation, employing never-before-used techniques that deeply influenced Renaissance painting. He didn’t realize his full potential, as he died at the young age of 26—just 6 years after he began his work in the Brancacci Chapel. Masaccio’s painting was so influential that even Filippo Brunelleschi, architect of the Duomo, mourned his death.
Address: Piazza del Carmine 14, Florence 50124, Italy
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Brancacci Chapel (Cappella Brancacci)
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Craftsmen Workshop Tour in Florence
Discover Florence’s thriving craft scene on a half-day insider’s tour of the places and people that are carrying on artistic traditions passed through the centuries. Visit the private workshops of local leather workers, goldsmiths, paper makers and more to watch these skilled artisans practicing their crafts. Learn about the traditional methods that have made Florentine goods highly sought after since the 13th century, and have a chance to purchase unique handmade items straight from the source.
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From
$147.35
per group
From
$147.35
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private Half Day Tour of Essential Florence Part Three (Oltrarno)
The third of four private half day walking tours of Essential Florence takes us to Oltrarno, the other side of river Arno. It is one of the most fascinating districts of Florence. Here you see, hear and possibly speak with the artists and merchants while they deal with their creative daily routines. From the steps of San Minato Church you will admire the iconic panorama of Florence. At the Church of Santo Spirito you view paintings of Roselli, Ghirlandaio and Lippi. At Santa Maria del Carmine you see the recently restored frescoes of Masaccio. Then you visit a once lavish Medici Residence, now home to the Palatine Gallery.
The day ends at the Boboli Gardens with an opportunity to wander among the cyprus trees and gaze at spectacular Florentine vistas.
Your Lecture-Guide takes you on a slower pace, away from the crowds, recreating the worlds of Titian, Rubens and Perugino along with the already noted Michelangelo and Leonardo.
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From
$346.70
per group
From
$346.70
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Private Tour: 3-Hours Churches of Florence Walking Tour
Walk through Florence with a dedicated guide on this 3-hour private tour. Appreciate the personal attention and flexibility that comes with a private tour; take the opportunity to amend the itinerary to reflect your interests. Visit Florence's landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio, the church of Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, Sagrestia Nuova and more. Along the way, listen to your guide's engaging commentary about the culture and history of Florence from the Renaissance to modern day.
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From
$309.55
per group
From
$309.55
per group
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