Domenican monks established themselves in Santa Maria Novella in
the same period and in a geographically-symmetrical way to that
of the Franciscans of Santa Croce. From 1221, when they obtained
the church of Santa Maria delle Vigne (at that time outside the
city walls), the Dominicans began to develop the monastery
complex of Santa Maria Novella, starting work around about 1245.
The construction of the church was entrusted to two architect
monks: Ristoro da Campi and Sisto da Firenze; building work
began in 1279 and was completed in 1325 under the supervision of
Frà Jacopo Talenti, who was also responsible for the bell-tower.
The facade of the church was financed (as can be seen by the
inscription on it) by Giovanni Rucellai, who commissioned Leon
Battista Alberti to carry out the task. He completed it in 1470,
producing an original and harmonious covering, a fusion of
ancient Gothic and Renaissance innovation, using the classical
colours of white and green marble. The interior of the church
has a wealth of a