Santa Maria dei Candeli

Santa Maria dei Candeli is a church in Borgo Pinti decorated with ceiling frescoes depicting the Assumption by Niccolò Lapi and housing multiple religious artworks on its walls. An adjacent area contains detached Renaissance frescoes from a refectory showing scenes of the Last Supper and Annunciation.

The church originated between the 13th and 14th centuries as a convent and underwent major reconstruction in 1703 under architect Giovanni Battista Foggini. This renovation significantly shaped the building's present appearance.

The church houses religious paintings on its walls, including a work depicting Saint Clair by Francesco Botti and a piece of Saint Augustine by Jacopo Vignali. These artworks reflect the artistic taste of the era and shape the interior character of the space.

The church is located centrally in Florence and is easy to reach, with frescoes from an adjacent refectory showing scenes of the Last Supper and Annunciation. It is worth allowing time to explore these connected artworks to appreciate all the details.

The monastery adjacent to the church served different purposes over time, including as an orphanage, an institution, and later a training facility for police officers. This varied history of use reflects the city's changing needs.