Santa Reparata, also known as the crypt / crypt of the Holy Reparata (Cripta Santa Reparata) is a former cathedral of Florence, which can be visited and which is located under the current Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (La Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore).
The Church of St. Reparata is the remains of the former Cathedral of Florence, over which the current cathedral (Duomo) of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore, was erected from the end of the 13th century.
The remains of an ancient early Christian basilica were discovered between 1965 and 1973 during excavations under the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. These remains of the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata are the largest and most reliable evidence of early Christianity in Florence.
Santa Reparata was the cathedral of Florence, which was called San Lorenzo, and later swept it to Santa Reparata. Its name refers to Saint Reparata, the early virgin martyr, who is one of the patrons of Florence. The origin of the cathedral's construction probably dates back to a vow made in gratitude for the victory of Christians in about 405 over Radagasy, the king of the Goths.
Santa Reparata was one of the largest early Christian complexes in Tusia, had three naves and was eight meters higher than the current cathedral.
Photo of the current Cathedral of Florence
During the history of the church of Santa Reparata has undergone changes and restructuring.
Now under the Florence Cathedral there are the remains of four churches: one original and three rebuilt.
The remains of the church, now called the crypt, Santa Reparata can be visited.
Today, the basilica contains numerous remains of the walls and floors of the Roman "Florence".
The remains of a beautiful polychrome mosaic with geometric ornaments, including a motif of a cross and a peacock, a symbol of immortality, one of the few remaining figurative elements, are particularly attractive.
A set showing how mosaics were created
There are numerous tombstones in the church, including the beautiful Lando di Giano, the chaplain of Santa Reparata, who died in 1353, Nicolo Squarcialupi, who died in 1313, Giovanni di Alamanno de' Medici, who died in 1352, and, perhaps, but this is not certain, even the tombs of two popes: Stephen IX and possibly Niccolo II, the former bishop of Florence in 1058. By tradition, Pisano is also buried here.
Grave of Filippo Brunelleschi
Of the frescoes, the Florentine fresco of the mid-14th century, which decorated the semicircular wall of the right apse, the work of the artist Giotto, is especially valuable.
In the showcases you can see some old items
Gift shop in the crypt
Practical information
Santa Reparata is located under the current Florence Cathedral.
The entrance is located inside the cathedral (on the south side). Steps lead to the crypt.
The entrance to the current cathedral itself is free.
Entrance (descent) to Santa Reparata is paid, by tickets.
A visit to the crypt is included in the single tickets for visiting the ensemble of monuments of the Santa Maria del Fiore complex, which, in addition to the crypt, also includes: the Brunelleschi dome of the cathedral with an observation deck, the Giotto bell tower with viewing platforms, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Opera Duomo Museum.
There are various combinations of tickets. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket offices (information centers) on the square near the cathedral.
For detailed information about tickets and their cost, opening hours of the facilities of the complex, etc., we recommend checking on the official website of the complex: duomo.firenze.it.
Florence Cathedral is located in the heart of the city, on the Duomo Square (Cathedral Square, Piazza del Duomo).
All accommodation facilities in Florence (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here 
