Santa Maria del Carmine

Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence is a parish church in the Oltrarno district, notable for the Brancacci Chapel and its early Renaissance fresco cycle. The church occupies a prominent position on Piazza del Carmine.

The Brancacci Chapel contains frescoes executed in the early 15th century by Masaccio and Masolino, later finished by Filippino Lippi; these works are influential for their advances in naturalism and perspective. The chapel draws art historians and visitors interested in Renaissance painting.

The church complex dates to the medieval period and has undergone rebuildings and restorations; the Carmelite order has long been associated with the site. The Brancacci frescoes survived periods of neglect and conservation interventions.

Located on the south bank of the Arno, the church is in Florence’s Oltrarno quarter, within walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio and Florence’s historic center.

• Main highlight: The Brancacci Chapel frescoes are best seen in the morning light and are often the main reason visitors come to the church.

What to See #

• Brancacci Chapel: A chapel within the church containing the Brancacci fresco cycle painted in the early 15th century by Masaccio and Masolino, later completed by Filippino Lippi; the cycle is a key work in early Renaissance painting.