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An Evening at St. Mark’s Church: The Best Opera in Florence, Italy

An Evening at St. Mark’s Church: The Best Opera in Florence, Italy

Not everyone thinks to attend an opera performance while in Florence, Italy, but failing to partake in this experience while visiting Italy would be a grave oversight.

Florence truly has the best of everything — the best views, the best art and the best food.

There is so much competition to be the best that even Leonardo (Da Vinci) gets put in the corner.

So it is with a full appreciation for the weight of the term that I say, without a doubt, that the Opera at St. Mark’s Church is the best musical experience available in Florence, Italy.

Where is St. Mark’s Church?

Inside St. Mark's Church

Preliminarily, you should know that Florence is unique in that almost every monument, building and bridge is hundreds of years old.

The city is the epitome of Italian charm and authenticity is the rule, not the exception. In the case of St. Mark’s Church, this holds doubly true.

Located just off the Arno River, a short walk from the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, St. Mark’s Church is an active place of worship during the day and one-of-a-kind concert venue at night.

The church is located at Via Maggio, 16, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy. 

Founded in 1881, the church is part of an old Medici palace that was once owned by Machiavelli and later renovated in the neo-Renaissance style. The resident opera company supports several charities, including a children’s home in South India.

They also serve Florence’s homeless population, providing more than 75,000 hot meals to those in need to date.

The venue seats 400 but averages an attendance of 150 people at weekly services, and it’s constructed in a way that you’ll feel you’re in an audience of 5.

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What should you wear for the opera at St. Mark’s Church?

Reserved seating at St. Mark's Church

I had the pleasure of attending a performance of Love Duets at St. Mark’s Church on a Sunday evening.

An email was sent to all guests instructing an arrival time of no later than 8:15pm.

Guests started arriving some time around 8:20pm, giving me time to absorb my surroundings.

The church boasts grand arches and a red diamond tiled floor that provides excellent acoustics. I sat in the front row for an extra 10 Euro on top of the already bargain price of 20 Euro for admission.

As an added touch personal touch, my seat was reserved with a name card.

The dress code was comfortable, though you can choose to wear more formal attire. I only had jeans but wore a silk top and earrings.

Is opera for you?

Male and female singers in the middle of a performance

As soon as the baby grand piano in the middle of the room comes to life, you get goosebumps.

The pianist and singers, Franz and Ilse, make unknown lyrics in a foreign language seem familiar and comforting.

There is no moment where you stifle a yawn or pretend to enjoy the experience. There is no low point.

Every song is carefully picked to leave you asking, where did the time go?

Even if you’re not an opera fan or are unsure if this is the scene for you, I encourage you to give it a try.

You will recognize the melodies, appreciate the authenticity and kick yourself for not buying a ticket sooner.

I attended as a single female and throughly enjoyed myself. In fact, Franz even dedicated a special song to me after the intermission! It was “Granada” a lively tune about Spain and the women who reside there.

I felt flattered and can honestly say it will go down as the most memorable serenading of my life.

With the cast of the opera at St. Mark's church after the show

Sometimes magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone, and in this case magic came in the form of an opera performance.

If you want to see the best opera in Florence, Italy, I highly recommend you add St. Mark’s Church to your itinerary.

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Till next time, safe travels!

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Don't miss a spectacular live opera performance at St. Mark's Church in Florence, Italy!

Niki

Tuesday 18th of July 2017

Lucky you!

Kelly

Saturday 15th of April 2017

Sounds like a truly amazing experience. I love that they put your name on the seat. I would feel so important!! But I love these type of cultural experiences. I am not a huge opera person but this post makes me want to try it out.

Jen on a Jet Plane

Friday 21st of April 2017

Thanks Kelly! I felt the same way when I saw my name haha, so fancy! It was an awesome experience even for those not overly fond of opera haha :)

Julia

Saturday 15th of April 2017

I'm heading to Florence in a few weeks and I really want to do this now! I didn't even think about checking out opera there!

Jen on a Jet Plane

Friday 21st of April 2017

Definitely give it a go! It will give you goosebumps it's so good :) enjoy Florence!

fibnb

Wednesday 5th of April 2017

What a lovely account of opera in Florence, I went to see the Opera in the Boboli Gardens but the acoustics meant all the singing went up to the sky, instead of out to the audience. It sounds like I should go where you have!

We have a very visual page of Florence highlights that I hope readers of your blog will enjoy, and will maybe encourage them to visit this most spectacular of cities.

Jen on a Jet Plane

Sunday 14th of May 2017

That's interesting, and a shame because the Boboli Gardens are so beautiful! The acoustics were definitely top-notch at St. Mark's, sounds like a reason to return to Florence! And thanks for sharing your link, you take absolutely beautiful pictures :)