Convento di San Marco is a museum located in Florence, Italy. It was originally built as a Dominican convent and friary in the 15th century. The building was designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, who was commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici, the founder of the Medici dynasty.
The Museum Convento di San Marco (Florence, Italy)
Convento di San Marco is a museum located in Florence, Italy. It was originally built as a Dominican convent and friary in the 15th century. The building was designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, who was commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici, the founder of the Medici dynasty.
History
The history of Convento di San Marco dates back to the 13th century when a Vallombrosan monastery occupied the site. In the early 15th century, the Silvestrines took over the monastery, but they were expelled in 1418. Cosimo de' Medici decided to rebuild the entire complex in 1437 at the suggestion of Antonino Pierozzi, the Vicar-General. Michelozzo di Bartolomeo was commissioned to design the building, and he created a harmonious plan based on Brunelleschi's innovations.
The convent became a center of religious activity, with St. Antonino Pierozzi, Bishop of Florence, Fra Angelico, and Girolamo Savonarola all living and working there. Fra Angelico, who later became Prior of the convent, decorated the chapter house, cloister, and the brothers' first-floor cells in a style perfectly adapted to the architecture.
The Museum
Today, Convento di San Marco is a museum that offers visitors an example of a perfectly preserved fifteenth-century convent. The rational and harmonious plan of the building is designed to simplify monastic life within its walls. The cloister and the library are two of the finest interiors of the Renaissance.
The museum also contains the works of Fra Angelico, including the famous Annunciation, which is a frescoed interior in the cells. The alms-house displays panels by Fra Angelico, including the Crucifixion painted in the Chapter House.
Other Attractions
In addition to the works of Fra Angelico, Convento di San Marco also houses other attractions. The side altars, designed by Giambologna in 1580, have 16th- and 17th-century altarpieces. The Sacristy contains the original tomb of St Antoninus, archbishop of Florence from 1446, with the figure of the Saint in bronze.
The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament has canvases by Santi di Tito, Passignano, Jacopo da Empoli, and Francesco Curradi. The tombs of Pico della Mirandola (1494) and the poet Agnolo Poliziano (1494) are also located in the convent.
Visiting Convento di San Marco
Visitors can reach Convento di San Marco by taking bus number 1, 7, or 10 from the city center. The museum is open every day except Wednesday, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
Conclusion
Convento di San Marco is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Renaissance art and history. The museum offers an example of a perfectly preserved fifteenth-century convent, with the works of Fra Angelico being the highlight of the visit. Other attractions include the side altars, Sacristy, Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, and the tombs of Pico della Mirandola and Agnolo Poliziano.
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