Episode 105 - Florence: The Facade of Santa Maria Novella

This episode examines the architectural style and history of Florence's only Renaissance-style church facade at the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, which was designed by the architect Leon Battista. From its classically-inspired forms, to the abundance of heraldic symbolism of both the Rucellai and Medici families, all the way to the inscription celebrating the patron of the facade, the facade is a perfect reflection of the beautiful complexity of Renaissance Florence.