One of the most common questions we receive during our guided tours of Florence is: What are your favorite places in the city? Where do you take visitors to truly experience the essence of Florence?
One of our top answers is always the Museum of San Marco.
This museum is a special place, located close to Florence’s most famous attractions yet pleasantly free from the usual tourist crowds. Taking a guided tour of San Marco in Florence offers a fascinating and peaceful experience, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Unlike other museums in Florence, the artworks here have not been relocated from different sites — the museum itself is an ancient Renaissance convent, preserved almost exactly as it was at the end of the Renaissance period.
Where is the Museum of San Marco in Florence?
The museum is located in Piazza San Marco, just a short walk from the famous Accademia Gallery and near the historic Medici quarter.
During the time of the powerful Medici family, this area was surrounded by a vast beech forest — a green oasis within the city walls. It’s hard to imagine today, as the square is now a busy intersection filled with buses, trams, and ongoing roadwork!
On one side of the square, you’ll notice the simple yet elegant facade of the Church of San Marco. This church was once part of the same convent complex and can be visited for free.
The museum, however, requires an entrance ticket as it is part of Italy’s national museum network. You’ll find the entrance just to the right of the church’s facade.
For more details on ticket prices and opening hours, visit our dedicated page on the San Marco Museum Tour.
Why Take a Guided Tour of San Marco in Florence?
Beyond being a peaceful retreat from Florence’s crowded streets, San Marco is the perfect place to witness the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Originally a medieval monastery inhabited by the Silvestrine monks, it was later taken over by Dominican friars in the mid-1400s. This change was encouraged by none other than Cosimo the Elder de’ Medici, the most powerful man in Florence at the time.
The Medici and San Marco
Cosimo de’ Medici personally funded the complete renovation of the convent, investing an enormous sum of money. But why did he spend so much on a religious project with no financial return?
According to historical accounts, Cosimo had loaned money at interest, a practice considered a severe sin. His confessor — none other than the Pope — advised him to atone by donating 10,000 florins to a religious cause. Cosimo, perhaps not having been entirely honest in his confession, ended up spending over 40,000 florins!
The Medici influence is evident throughout the convent — you’ll notice their famous red balls emblem adorning many corners of the complex, an early example of strategic branding!
If you’re fascinated by Medici history, check out our Medici Tour, where we explore the power struggles of Florence’s most famous family.
San Marco: The Convent of Beato Angelico
San Marco is most famous for being the home of Fra Angelico, the Dominican friar and painter whose breathtaking frescoes decorate the convent. He was one of the most admired artists of the early Renaissance, seamlessly blending medieval spirituality with new artistic innovations.
Upon entering the cloister, you’ll be welcomed by his stunning fresco of Saint Dominic Embracing the Cross, which features extraordinary details — delicate veins on hands, wrinkles on faces, and masterful use of perspective. Despite its artistic brilliance, the message remains clear: those who join this community do so to follow Christ.
What do we see in our Guided Tour of San Marco Convent?
The first space you’ll encounter is the Cloister of Sant’Antonino, a peaceful quadrangle surrounded by key rooms such as:
- The Refectory, where the friars gathered for communal meals.
- The Pilgrim’s Hospice, once used to shelter travelers and the needy, now displaying Fra Angelico’s works.
- The Chapter House, the convent’s meeting room, home to Fra Angelico’s largest fresco, the Crucifixion, which includes subtle references to the Medici family.
Ascending to the upper floor, you’ll be greeted by Fra Angelico’s Annunciation, one of the most iconic masterpieces of the Renaissance. This fresco served as a reminder for the friars to dedicate their day to prayer, as the Virgin Mary is depicted as the embodiment of their monastic virtues.
The upper level consists of three long corridors lined with tiny cells, each containing a unique fresco by Fra Angelico. These simple rooms reflect the Dominican vow of humility, yet their walls are adorned with some of the most stunning religious art of the period.
The Library and Cosimo’s Private Cell
Beyond the cells, you’ll find the library, designed by renowned architect Michelozzo. This once housed Cosimo de’ Medici’s prestigious collection of Latin and Greek manuscripts, making it one of the most significant intellectual centers of the Renaissance. Today, you can admire beautifully illuminated manuscripts and learn about the pigments used by artists like Fra Angelico.
At the end of the corridor is Cosimo’s personal cell, a small yet significant room reserved for the Medici patriarch himself — he even hosted the Pope here!
The Legacy of Girolamo Savonarola
The last section of the museum is dedicated to Girolamo Savonarola, the fiery preacher who led Florence through a period of radical religious reform before meeting his tragic fate on the pyre. Here, you’ll find historical artifacts and personal belongings that shed light on his controversial role in Florence’s history.
The Ghirlandaio Refectory
Before exiting, don’t miss the smaller refectory, adorned with a magnificent fresco of the Last Supper by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Pay attention to the small details — like a cat observing the scene or the carefully placed cherries — each element has a symbolic meaning!
Interestingly, the seating arrangement in this fresco reflects the Renaissance dining tradition. The way people sat together at meals is actually linked to the cover charge (coperto) that Italian restaurants still apply today!
End of the San Marco Convent Tour: A Hidden Surprise
Your visit ends on Via della Dogana, behind the convent. To return to Piazza San Marco, just walk around the block!
Although often overlooked, the Museum of San Marco is a treasure trove of art and history that deserves far more recognition. If you’d like to dive deeper, check out our video lecture by Elena, or better yet — join us for a guided tour of San Marco in Florence and experience its magic in person!
We can’t wait to share its beauty with you!
