Chiostro dei Morti, Medieval cloister in Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Italy.
The Chiostro dei Morti is a square-shaped cloister with octagonal columns supporting crossed vaults. Several chapels line the eastern wall, and the interior is decorated with frescoes that emphasize the artistic character of the space.
The cloister originally dates to the 13th century but underwent major reconstruction between 1337 and 1350 following flood damage. Fra Jacopo Talenti directed these rebuild efforts, which shaped the space as it appears today.
The walls display frescoes by Florentine painters from the 14th century, including works by Andrea Orcagna and Nardo di Cione. These paintings offer a window into the religious art and artistic traditions of the city during this period.
The cloister is part of the basilica museum and can be visited as part of the main complex. It helps to start exploring the chapels on the eastern side and then move slowly around the square space to take in the details.
The name refers to its former function as a cemetery for Dominican friars, whose graves lay beneath the church level. This burial practice was central to how the community used the space for several centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
