Sacristy of Santo Spirito, Octagonal Renaissance sacristy at Santo Spirito, Florence, Italy.

The Sacristy of Santo Spirito is an octagonal Renaissance chamber with clean lines and balanced proportions typical of early Renaissance design. The space stores liturgical objects and vestments, standing as a smaller jewel within the larger church designed according to Brunelleschi's principles.

Giuliano da Sangallo designed and built this chamber in 1489, following the architectural principles that Filippo Brunelleschi had established throughout Florence. The work emerged during a period when Renaissance ideas were reshaping Florentine construction.

The wooden crucifix now hanging at the centre of the octagonal room is the young Michelangelo's, carved around 1493 while he lodged at the Santo Spirito convent and studied anatomy on corpses from the hospital. It was moved to this position only in 2000. The altarpiece opposite the entrance is Alessandro Allori's Saint Fiacre Healing the Sick, painted in 1596 for Grand Duchess Christine of Lorraine, devoted to an Irish saint then almost unknown in Italy.

Access is through the main church, and visitors should dress respectfully since this is an active religious space. It works best to visit during posted opening hours, which are coordinated with the church's service schedule.

The altarpiece facing the entrance is Alessandro Allori's Saint Fiacre Healing the Sick, painted in 1596 for Grand Duchess Christine of Lorraine, who venerated this Irish saint little known in Italy. Look for the signature blend of Bronzino-derived finish and Michelangelesque figures.