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
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
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
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
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
5. Benedictine Monastery of Santa Marta
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
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
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.