The convent of San Marco, transformed into a museum in the 19th century, houses one of Florence’s most spectacular collections of sacred art. Decorated with frescoes by the painter and friar Fra Angelico and once home to the fiery preacher Girolamo Savonarola, the building is steeped in art, history, and culture and offers a sense of religious life in 15th-century Florence.
The convent, whose construction was funded by the Medici family, was the first Renaissance-style monastic structure, and Dominican friars have lived there for nearly 600 years. It is still one of the city’s greatest spiritual and artistic centers. Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero delves into the art and history of the museum.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
Additional Lesser-Known Museums of Florence Programs
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*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
