Convent of San Marco

The Basilica of San Marco in Florence is a monumental complex of great historical, artistic, and religious significance. Founded in 1299, the church and the convent were initially entrusted to the Silvestrine monks and then, in 1436, to the Dominicans on the initiative of Cosimo the Elder de’ Medici. The transformation of the convent into a center of culture and spirituality was largely due to the Medici family, who generously financed its restructuring. The architecture of the basilica features an imposing neoclassical facade, designed in the 19th century by Giovanni Battista Sarti, which replaced the original medieval facade. The interior, with a single nave and side chapels, is sober and elegant, in line with the Dominican style, but enriched with important works of art. Among the gems of the basilica stands out the famous cycle of frescoes by Beato Angelico, created between 1440 and 1445, decorating the monks’ cells, the chapter house, and the cloister of Sant’Antonino. These frescoes are considered masterpieces of the Florentine Renaissance, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the saints with extraordinary spiritual depth and artistic innovation. The church also houses the tomb of Saint Antoninus Pierozzi, Archbishop of Florence, whose remains rest in the chapel dedicated to him. This chapel, built in the 16th century, is decorated with frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti illustrating episodes from the saint’s life. Another element of great interest is the Library of San Marco, one of the first public libraries in Europe, founded by Cosimo de’ Medici in 1444 and designed by Michelozzo. The library became an important center for humanistic studies, frequented by illustrious figures such as Pico della Mirandola and Marsilio Ficino. The original collection included precious manuscripts and classical texts, many of which are now preserved in the Laurentian Library. The convent of San Marco is also closely linked to the figure of Girolamo Savonarola, the Dominican friar who became prior of the convent in 1491. Savonarola is known for his fiery sermons against the corruption of the clergy and worldly vanities, culminating in the famous “bonfire of the vanities” in 1497. The convent became a center of the reformist movement led by Savonarola, until his execution in 1498. The Museum of San Marco, established within the convent complex, offers visitors a journey through the history of Florentine art and spirituality. In addition to the frescoes by Beato Angelico, the museum exhibits works by other great Renaissance artists, such as Fra Bartolomeo, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Alesso Baldovinetti. The museum’s rooms also preserve important relics related to Savonarola’s life, including his manuscripts and the documents of the trial that led to his condemnation.