Florence, Italy is a cradle of religious buildings and Renaissance art. To date, it is home to numerous monasteries that will let visitors delve deep into religion and architecture. If you’re coming to Florence, you can make a pilgrimage and stop by these religious sites. There is one that currently houses an art gallery showcasing 14th- to 18th-century works from artists all over the country. Another monastery, overlooking the northern hills of Florence, is now a lodging place that also contains numerous artworks dating back to the 1500s. There is also a chapel where you can view various religious ornaments. Read on to learn more about the must-visit monasteries in Florence, Italy.
1. Mosteiro das Clarissas
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you get to visit Florence, the monasteries around the area should be among the places jotted in your itinerary. Mostiero das Clarissas is among the must-visit monasteries in Italy. It is located in Sesto Florentino and deemed by tourists as a great place for peace, rest, and seeking spiritual guidance. Religious icons, frescoes, and other spiritual symbols are on display inside the monastery. Meanwhile, since it is situated in the hilly parts of Florence, you can also enjoy the magnificent scenery surrounding it. The majestic Tuscan countryside, with its luscious greeneries, is on full display. The nuns in the monastery also cultivate a vegetable garden and visitors can buy their fresh produce.
Mosteiro das Clarissas
Address: Sesto Florentino Fl, Italy
2. Florence Charterhouse
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Visiting Florence will not be complete without checking out the architectural and religious heritage of the place. One of the top destinations that you should check out is Florence Charterhouse in the suburb of Galluzzo. This walled complex is located near the convergence of the Ema and Greve rivers in Monte Acuto. Built by Niccolo Acciaioli in 1341, the charterhouse was continuously expanded through numerous donations. It was taken over by the Cistercian monks in 1958. Nowadays, the monastery is housing an Italian non-profit cultural institute called Società Internazionale per lo Studio del Medioevo Latino. Meanwhile, the chapter house features a fresco done by the Italian Mannerist painter Pontomo.
Florence Charterhouse
Address: Via del Ponte di Certosa, 1, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: Florence Charterhouse
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 3:30pm (closed on Sun)
3. Monastery of Saint Mary of Rosano
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the must-visit places and monasteries, if you are in Florence, is Monastery of Saint Mary of Rosano. The establishment is located in Rosano and within the territory of the Diocese of Fiesolo. The inside of the monastery tells the architectural and cultural significance of the place. Visitors can enjoy viewing various religious artifacts on display. Meanwhile, the green fields around the monastery offer a vibrant and calming view of trees and flowers. The monastery is run by nuns from the Order of San Benedetto and currently houses about 50 nuns. There is a small shop inside the place where you can buy souvenirs like embroidered products, honey, and other items made by the nuns who live there.
Monastery of Saint Mary of Rosano
Address: Borgo del Monastero, 13, 50067 Rignano sull'Arno FI, Italy
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4. Mosteiro Carmelita Descalças Florença
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Barefoot Carmelite Monastery in Florence or Mosteiro Carmelita Descalças Florença is home to the Barefoot Carmelites or the cloistered nuns. They are devoted to contemplative prayers and firmly devoted to the blessed Mary. This monastery is a must-visit for travelers who want to get a more profound sense of Florence as well as get to know the architectural heritage of the place. Inside the monastery are various displays of religious artifacts such as religious paintings and the incorrupt body of St. Teresa Margaret. Old church furniture, including a wooden “turn” where nuns put the key to the monastery, are also on display.
Mosteiro Carmelita Descalças Florença
Address: Via dei Bruni, 50133 Firenze FI, Italy
Florence Tour Guide
Sara Pallabazzer
I am a lively well-spoken tour guide and tour leader from Florence, and a person who has the ability to motivate different sets of audience; to communicate effectively and possesses a high degree of energy and enthusiasm.I am able to manage multiple tasks, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills. I am proficient in Italian, English and Norwegian and possess a strong love for art and culture and enjoy passing on this passion for our land to my guests in an exciting and educational manner which will leave them not only with a lasting memory of the country that they have visited but also of myself and the company I am working for.Come with me and explore the best Florence has to offer. From world class museums and galleries to famous sites such as Santa Maria del Fiore, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella and the Palazzo Vecchio! I will ensure guests get the most out of their visit. I can show off Florence and Tuscany's hidden treasures such as narrow medieval street, hidden gardens, unique shops, and the quirky details that make a tour memorable while discovering Florence's past, present and future.I am very adaptable and flexible with guests' interests and taking into account any special events or the weather. With me as a private guide, guests will have the time to fully experience Florence - stopping to take the perfect photo or popping into one of the shops, cafes or pubs.I am also an enthusiastic well-spoken language teacher who has the ability to motivate different student ranges and a freelance translator for English and Scandinavian languages! I have a great passion for art and cooking, and consider cooking to be a high art form, so I suggest how to pair food and wine, while also looking for the right setting, as eating should be an all-around experience. I love cooking and make my own pasta, bread and pizza!
Tours by Sara
Florence Tour Guide
Joanna
Hello, my name is Joanna. I was born and raised in Poland but then I fell hopelessly in love with Tuscany and have been living in Florence for 20 years. Wisely enough, I decided to turn my passion into work and became a tour guide. Now I can share with you my immense love for the beauty, history and art of these enchanted places. I am particularly passionate about the Middle Ages, history, sculpture, nature and sports. In my spare time, I travel, read, go to concerts, play sports and do a lot of hiking. I work mainly in Florence and Siena but I love going to Lucca, less known Tuscan beauty and Pisa. I can also organize a food tour, a wine tasting or a day trip in Tuscany.
Tours by Joanna
Florence Tour Guide
Irina Willmer
Florence Tour Guide
Dina
Florence Tour Guide
Francesca Boldrini
Linguist specializing in art history. I am a licensed tour guide with natural communicating skills and a big passion for Tuscany andRinascimento. I speak five languages: Russian at B2 TRKI level, German at B1 level, English, Italian and French at the mother tongue level.I’ve got a great problem solving skills and the ability to work under pressure gained thanks to my experience in hospitality. I Believe in thepower of creativity. I offer tourists a unique, memorable experience involving them in what is going on around them. I love leading visitorsthrough sites of historical and cultural interest sharing my passions for history of art, especially the period of Renaissance. Optimistic andopen-minded and meeting diverse people from all over the world, I have got a real genuine interest for Guest satisfaction.
Tours by Francesca
5. Benedictine Monastery of Santa Marta
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Benedictine Monastery of Santa Marta is not just a go-to in Florence, it is also a lovely place that offers accommodation. The monastery is set in the hilly terrain in northern Florence and features a serene and peaceful ambiance. Guests can enjoy not just the service and hospitality of the monastery but also the stunning view of the Tuscan countryside. The many artworks, all dating back to the 1500s, are among the attractions in the monastery. You also get to glimpse the fresco of the Crucifixion from the School of Giotto (dated 1340). Breakfasts are served free for guests while lunch and dinners can be served with advanced notice. Although it offers a bed and breakfast accommodation, the monastery is still true to its purpose. Guests can choose to focus on the spiritual experience of stay through a retreat and religious life. You may attend the canonical hours with the nuns at the divine office.
Benedictine Monastery of Santa Marta
Address: Via di Santa Marta, 7, 50139 Firenze FI, Italy
6. Badia Fiorentina - Monastero
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is an essential part of Italy’s culture. As such, it is a famous destination for people who love fine art and architecture. Make sure to stop by Badia Florentina - Monastero. You can visit their souvenir shops where you can buy religious items and other products to take home with you. If you want the full experience, you can try their bed and breakfast-style accommodations. Staying in the convent guest house or the monastery itself is an excellent alternative to staying in mainstream hotels.
Badia Fiorentina - Monastero
Address: Via del Proconsolo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: Badia Fiorentina - Monastero
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 6:30am - 7pm; Sat: 7:30 am - 7pm; Sun: 7:30am - 12:30pm, 5:30pm - 7pm; Mon: 3pm - 6pm
7. Monastero Delle Benedettine Di S. Maria Del Fiore A Lapo
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Within the Lapo district in Florence is Monastero Delle Benedettine Di S. Maria Del Fiore A Lapo. A group of Romites from Fiesole, who received the rule of Sant’Agostino, had the monastery built in 1350. The monastery became home to the nuns until the Napoleonic suppression in 1808, and in 1817, the Benedictines settled in the place. Inside the monastery, two valuable crucifixes and some period paintings are on display. There is also a recently restored 15th-century convent. Just beside the monastery is the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore in Lapo, where visitors can admire frescoes such as the glory of Saint Augustine, Madonna and saints, and Madonna of the Rosary. There is a small shop in the monastery where visitors can buy items made by the nuns. There are embroidery, knitted items, bookbinding, and miniature items.
Monastero Delle Benedettine Di S. Maria Del Fiore A Lapo
Address: Via Faentina, 247, 50133 Firenze FI, Italy
8. Monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
In the Careggi district, there is the Monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazi. This Carmelite monastery is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi, who was canonized in 1669 by Pope Clement X. The monastery offers marvelous architecture and frescoes inside while the outside provides a great view of the Tuscan countryside. The life and story of Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi is chronicled through murals, paintings, and signages inside and outside of the monastery walls. Although the monastery doesn’t seem to offer accommodations like other monasteries in the area, there are many great holiday rentals and bed and breakfast accommodations around it for your stay.
Monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi
Address: Via dei Massoni, 26, 50139 Firenze FI, Italy
Magical places in Florence, Italy
On a visit to Florence in Italy, enrich your cultural and religious knowledge by stopping by these monasteries. It can even be a meaningful personal pilgrimage for you.
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