Chiesa di Santa Monica, Former church in Oltrarno district, Florence, Italy.
The chiesa di Santa Monica is a Renaissance church in the Oltrarno district with a simple facade and a 15th-century portal. The Capponi family crest displayed above the entrance indicates the historical connections of this building.
The monastery received funding in 1442 from Ubertino de' Bardi after Augustinian nuns from Castiglion Fiorentino sought shelter there. These sisters fled from the region during periods of armed conflict in search of safety.
The church is dedicated to Saint Monica and served as a convent space for Augustinian nuns over centuries. Visitors today experience the original religious character of the building while attending cultural events within its walls.
The deconsecrated building now functions as a cultural center hosting regular opera performances, concerts, and exhibitions. Visitors should check current programming before visiting, as the space's use varies throughout the year.
The building displays artistic treasures from different periods, including early 18th-century frescoes adorning the ceiling. A wooden choir and organ from the 1600s reveal the craftsmanship invested in this religious space.
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