Exterior view

The very large church of the Santa Maria Novella was the first important and independent church in truly Italian style. Its construction began in about 1246 for the Dominican Order. The exact dates of the various parts of the church are still controversial but it certainly took a very long time to build it. The nave was not begun until 1279, and the fa�ade, began in 1310, was not finished until 1470. Nevertheless, the interior and the plan make it the most important church of its date.