Badia Fiorentina (Florentine Abbey), Florence
One of the oldest churches in Florence, this historic abbey dates all the way back to 978, founded by Willa, the widow of Count Uberto of Tuscany. It became the burial place of their son, Count Ugo, whose tomb still stands today as a tribute to the family鈥檚 legacy. Inside, visitors can also admire a powerful work of art: Filippino Lippi鈥檚 鈥淎pparition of the Virgin to Saint Bernard鈥�, painted in 1485. This Renaissance marvel adds a burst of emotion and life to the otherwise quiet interior and remains one of the city鈥檚 most admired paintings.
The abbey originally followed the Benedictine rule and held an important place in the spiritual and cultural life of medieval Florence. Over time, it went through several changes, especially during a major renovation in the 17th century that gave the building much of its Baroque character. Still, traces of its Romanesque and Gothic roots are easy to spot for those who know where to look.
If you鈥檙e visiting, try to make time for the 鈥淐loister of the Orange Trees.鈥� Although the real-life trees planted by monks are long gone, the space remains peaceful and visually striking, with early frescoes lining the walls and a view of the 14th-century hexagonal bell tower, mentioned by Dante in the 鈥淧aradiso鈥� section of 鈥淭he Divine Comedy鈥�. The cloister is only open on Monday afternoons, and can be tricky to find鈥攍ook for a small door to the right of the altar.
It is also said that Dante likely studied at this very abbey during his youth. Some even believe he first laid eyes on Beatrice, his lifelong muse, in the nearby church.
Today, this sacred place is cared for by the Fraternity of Jerusalem, a contemplative community whose members chant the Divine Office each evening around 6 PM. The experience is quietly moving, drawing tourists and locals alike.
The abbey originally followed the Benedictine rule and held an important place in the spiritual and cultural life of medieval Florence. Over time, it went through several changes, especially during a major renovation in the 17th century that gave the building much of its Baroque character. Still, traces of its Romanesque and Gothic roots are easy to spot for those who know where to look.
If you鈥檙e visiting, try to make time for the 鈥淐loister of the Orange Trees.鈥� Although the real-life trees planted by monks are long gone, the space remains peaceful and visually striking, with early frescoes lining the walls and a view of the 14th-century hexagonal bell tower, mentioned by Dante in the 鈥淧aradiso鈥� section of 鈥淭he Divine Comedy鈥�. The cloister is only open on Monday afternoons, and can be tricky to find鈥攍ook for a small door to the right of the altar.
It is also said that Dante likely studied at this very abbey during his youth. Some even believe he first laid eyes on Beatrice, his lifelong muse, in the nearby church.
Today, this sacred place is cared for by the Fraternity of Jerusalem, a contemplative community whose members chant the Divine Office each evening around 6 PM. The experience is quietly moving, drawing tourists and locals alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Badia Fiorentina (Florentine Abbey) on Map
Sight Name: Badia Fiorentina (Florentine Abbey)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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