Monastero delle Murate, Benedictine monastery on Via Ghibellina in Florence, Italy
Monastero delle Murate is a monastery complex in Florence's historic center featuring multiple stone buildings, vaulted corridors, and inner courtyards arranged around secluded spaces. The structure retains its medieval layout with thick walls, narrow passages, and levels connected by stone staircases.
The monastery began around 1370 when twelve women founded a religious community and initially lived in a small shelter. They relocated to a larger facility in 1424, and the complex later underwent significant changes when its purpose shifted in the 1800s.
The monastery served as a spiritual center where nuns lived in seclusion, dedicating their lives to prayer and contemplation. Today, visitors can sense this religious purpose through the quiet spaces and the layout of the buildings.
The complex now houses apartments, restaurants, shops, and event spaces that are accessible to visitors exploring the grounds. You can walk through the courtyards and corridors during the day, though some areas may be restricted as private residences.
The name Murate comes from an unusual original practice where nuns lived in cells built directly onto the pillars of the Ponte alle Grazie bridge spanning the Arno River. This extreme form of seclusion shaped the community's identity from the very beginning.
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