The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, located on its namesake square in Florence, is one of the city's most important churches and a central point for the Dominican order. The Dominicans arrived in Florence in 1219 and, in 1221, obtained the church of Santa Maria delle Vigne, which was later replaced by the new basilica. Construction of the current church began in 1242 and was completed in the mid- 14th century, with official consecration in 1420.The basilica's facade, a masterpiece of the Renaissance, was started in 1350 and completed in 1470 by Leon Battista Alberti, commissioned by the Rucellai family. Alberti harmonized the Gothic lower part with the Renaissance upper part, using polychrome marble and integrating classical elements such as the large central oculus and inverted scrolls. Further modifications were made in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari and in the 19th century by Enrico Romoli. It was the first of the great Florentine basilicas to be built, and is the only one in the city that can boast an authentically Renaissance facade. The Basilica was also chosen as the site of the first council in 1439, which sought to reunify the Orthodox and Catholic churches, and became the popes' favorite place. It was also used as a laboratory by Leonardo da Vinci.