Convent San Marco, Dominican convent in Florence, Italy
Description
Convent San Marco is a Dominican friary in Florence with a church built in Renaissance style by Michelozzo in 1437. The complex spreads across multiple levels, with monks' cells, shared spaces, and galleries connected by staircases and corridors.
History
The friary was originally founded by Sylvestrine monks but transferred to the Dominican Observant order in 1438. Cosimo de Medici financed major renovations, shaping the complex into the form it still holds today.
Culture
Fra Angelico painted numerous frescoes that still decorate the walls and individual cells, showing how art was woven into the daily spiritual life of the friars. The images reflect the religious devotion that defined this community's existence.
Practical
Visitors can explore the compound and church during daytime hours on foot, and sturdy shoes are recommended since there are many stairs throughout. The interior spaces follow the seasons naturally without modern climate control, so dress accordingly for your visit.
Did you know?
A simple cell in the upper section was used as a private retreat by Cosimo de Medici, preserved as a glimpse into his personal devotion. The quiet room reveals how even powerful figures sought solitude within these walls for meditation and prayer.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (borough 1).
Tuscan wine
57 m
Palazzo Strozzi
107 m
Palazzo dello Strozzino
127 m
Palazzo dell'Arte dei Beccai
129 m
Palazzo delle Poste Centrali in Florence
118 m
Colonna dell'abbondanza
58 m
Palazzo Vecchietti, Florence
52 m
Santa Maria degli Ughi
122 m
Beccheria and surrounding shops in Mercato Vecchio (Florence)
23 m
Palazzo Levi
50 m
Church san Pier Buonconsiglio
24 m
Palazzo Pola e Todescan
72 m
Torre dei Caponsacchi
41 m
Santa Maria in Campidoglio
23 m
Church of San Miniato tra le torri
127 m
Palazzo Ricci-Altoviti
88 m
Palazzo Sassetti
75 m
Torre degli Amieri
48 m
Residenza dell'Arte dei Linaioli e Rigattieri
58 m
Palazzo Sertini
127 m
Palazzo Ceci e Rossi
102 m
San Donato dei Vecchietti
97 m
Sede storica del Banco di Sicilia
118 m
Palazzo dei Catellini
101 m
Palazzo Paoletti
114 m
Monte di Pietà dei Pazzi
131 m
Cinema Teatro Odeon
115 m
Oratorio del Crocifisso dai Vecchietti
64 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes