Badia Fiorentina - Evening light casts a warm glow on Florence, highlighting the Badia Fiorentina monastery and Bargello museum's towers
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Badia Fiorentina

4.6
·511 reviews·Firenze, Italy

Florence's oldest abbey, a serene sanctuary with stunning frescoes and a living monastic community offering nightly Vespers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Badia Fiorentina - Evening light casts a warm glow on Florence, highlighting the Badia Fiorentina monastery and Bargello museum's towers

Badia Fiorentina

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Florence's oldest abbey, a serene sanctuary with stunning frescoes and a living monastic community offering nightly Vespers.

4.6
(511 reviews)

"Experience centuries of history and spiritual peace at this hidden gem."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Seek quiet in the cloister

The Chiostro degli Aranci is a hidden gem for peaceful reflection.

🎶 Attend the Vespers

Experience a unique, centuries-old tradition with monks and nuns.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chiostro degli Aranci

Chiostro degli Aranci

Cloister

A stunning two-story cloister adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting the life of Saint Benedict.

Filippino Lippi's Masterpiece

Filippino Lippi's Masterpiece

Church Entrance

Marvel at 'The Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard,' a captivating painting by Filippino Lippi.

Evening Vespers

Evening Vespers

Church

Experience a profound sense of history by attending the nightly Vespers sung by resident nuns and monks.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

To experience the serene atmosphere of Badia Fiorentina, aim for weekdays outside of peak tourist hours. The cloister offers a peaceful escape, and attending the evening Vespers provides a unique glimpse into monastic life.

Beyond the Abbey Walls

Badia Fiorentina is conveniently located near the Bargello Museum, making it easy to combine visits. Consider exploring the surrounding streets for authentic Florentine experiences, away from the main crowds.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Daily, 6:00 PM
Why
Atmospheric Vespers service
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La vera esperienza Fiorentina l’hai provata? #bisteccaallafiorentina #carnerossa #bisteccafiorentina #pappardellealcinghiale #firenze #edgecolors #suppliedby 📍 agricola toscano
@lorenzogagliano
45.5K likes • 936.9K views

🤫 Seek quiet in the cloister

The Chiostro degli Aranci is a hidden gem for peaceful reflection. Instagram

🎶 Attend the Vespers

Experience a unique, centuries-old tradition with monks and nuns. Reddit

La vera Trippa alla Fiorentina 🤤♥️ voi ci mettete il parmigiano ?! #trippa #trippaallafiorentina #firenze #imparacontiktok #federicofusca #ricetteveloci #ricette #ricettepervoi
@federicofuscachef
20.5K likes • 451.4K views
The fresco cycle of the life of Saint Benedict in the Chiostro degli Aranci of the Badia is among the hidden gems of Florence. The scene best preserved and known depicts the moment when Saint Benedict, aware that a loaf of bread offered to him is poisoned, commands a raven to carry it away. The members of the monastic community, gathered around a table, merely look on as Benedict gestures toward t...
botticellist
3.5K likes • 0 views

🖼️ Admire Lippi's art

Don't miss 'The Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard' near the entrance. Reddit

💰 Entry fee is modest

A small fee grants access to this historic site. Instagram

Скрытая жемчужина во Флоренции 🌿 Chiostro degli Aranci — удивительный апельсиновый клуатр при монастыре Badia Fiorentina. Атмосфера тишины и покоя в самом центре города 🍊 ⠀ 🔸 Открыт для посещения только по понедельникам 🔸 Вход — 3€ ⠀ Идеальное место, чтобы увидеть другую сторону Флоренции — спокойную, духовную и почти нетуристическую 💫. #гидпофлоренции #натальяизфлоренции #гидпотоскане
your_tuscany_guide
219 likes • 4.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Seek quiet in the cloister

The Chiostro degli Aranci is a hidden gem for peaceful reflection. Instagram

🎶 Attend the Vespers

Experience a unique, centuries-old tradition with monks and nuns. Reddit

🖼️ Admire Lippi's art

Don't miss 'The Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard' near the entrance. Reddit

💰 Entry fee is modest

A small fee grants access to this historic site. Instagram

📸 Instagrammable moments

The cloister offers beautiful photo opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(511 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Badia Fiorentina for its historical significance, stunning frescoes in the Chiostro degli Aranci, and the deeply atmospheric evening Vespers service. It's considered a peaceful escape and a convenient stop near the Bargello Museum. Some find the drink service a bit unusual and prices slightly high for what's offered.

"This is the oldest abbey in the city located just across the street from Museo del Bargello, making it a convenient place to visit before or after the museum.

Badia Fiorentina Monastero was founded in 978, what stood here at that time was a chief building of Medieval Florence. It seems that the original monastary was restored and rebuilt several times over the centuries, providing it with various Romanesque, Gothic as well as 17th-century Baroque features and appearance. If you like architecture, these are interesting aspects of viewing the abbey cloister and church.

Within the church there are nice chapels w/ impressive artworks. I particularly enjoyed seeing Filippino Lippi's Appariation of the Virgin to St. Bernard (1486) just as you enter. You can have a quick look around in 10 minutes or so before or after the museum."

Brad

"A spectacular church!! From various sculptures to paintings, definitely a recommended place to visit once you are in Firenze."

Ekin

"I strongly recommend attending the evening service Vespers/Vespri at 18:00 (18:30 on Sundays).
The monastery hosts a community of brothers and sisters, which is part of Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem."

L.G. Obreja

What People Like

Beautiful frescoes
Atmospheric Vespers
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Unusual drink service
Slightly high prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Badia Fiorentina is centrally located in Florence, just across from the Bargello Museum. It's easily accessible on foot from most major attractions in the historic center. Reddit

Yes, it's very close to the Bargello Museum and within walking distance of the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Reddit

From Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station, it's about a 15-20 minute walk or a short taxi ride to Badia Fiorentina.

Parking in the historic center of Florence is challenging and restricted. It's best to use public transport or walk. The closest parking garages are Bargello or Sant'Ambrogio, but walking is recommended. Reddit

Yes, from certain viewpoints like the Michelangelo Stairs, you can see the Badia Fiorentina's bell tower as part of the Florence skyline. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The abbey is generally open for visits on Mondays and Sundays, with specific hours for the church and cloister. It's best to check the official website for the most current times. Instagram

There is a small admission fee, typically around 3 Euros, to access the cloister and church. Instagram

For general visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events or group tours, it's advisable to inquire beforehand.

As it is a place of worship, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

While the church and cloister are open to the public, the residential monastery area is not accessible to visitors.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can explore the beautiful church with its artworks, including Filippino Lippi's 'Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard,' and the stunning two-story Chiostro degli Aranci (Orange Cloister) with its frescoes. InstagramReddit

This cloister is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes depicting the life of Saint Benedict, offering a glimpse into medieval art and monastic life. Instagram+1

The Vespers service, held daily around 6:00 PM, is a deeply atmospheric experience where resident monks and nuns chant prayers, offering a unique connection to centuries of tradition. Reddit

A quick visit to see the main artworks and cloister can take about 10-15 minutes. However, to fully appreciate the atmosphere and attend Vespers, you might spend an hour or more. Reddit

Yes, the cloister and church offer many beautiful photographic opportunities, especially the frescoes and architectural details. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no restaurants within Badia Fiorentina itself. However, the surrounding area is filled with trattorias and cafes.

Near Badia Fiorentina, you can find restaurants serving classic Tuscan dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pappardelle al Cinghiale, and Trippa alla Fiorentina. TikTok+2

There's a small spot where you can order drinks, like rose wine, but it's described as a 'tiny hole' for pickup. Reddit

Prices can vary, but expect typical Florence city center prices. A glass of wine might cost around 8 Euros. Reddit

Yes, most trattorias in Florence offer vegetarian pasta dishes and other options.

📸 📸 Photography

The Chiostro degli Aranci is a prime spot for photography, with its frescoes and architectural beauty. The church interior also offers artistic details. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed inside the church and cloister, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions. Instagram

Natural light filters into the cloister, creating a beautiful ambiance. The church's lighting can be more subdued, so a camera with good low-light performance is helpful. Instagram

Many visitors capture the full sweep of the cloister's frescoes or focus on specific details within the artwork. Instagram+1

Drone photography is generally prohibited in Florence's historic center due to regulations and to protect cultural heritage sites.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Badia Fiorentina is a place of historical and artistic significance, it might be more suited for families with older children who can appreciate art and history. The Chiostro degli Aranci with its colorful frescoes can be engaging for younger visitors, offering a visual story. Instagram+1 Keep the visit brief, focusing on the most visually striking elements like the cloister and the Lippi painting. Consider it as a quiet interlude between more active sightseeing. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Badia Fiorentina is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. The modest admission fee of around 3 Euros provides access to significant historical and artistic treasures. Instagram Combining a visit here with the nearby Bargello Museum (which requires a separate ticket) can offer a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank. Reddit Attending the free Vespers service is also a fantastic way to experience the abbey's atmosphere without any cost. Reddit

❤️ Couples and Art Lovers

For couples and art aficionados, Badia Fiorentina offers a romantic and culturally enriching experience. The serene Chiostro degli Aranci provides a beautiful backdrop for quiet conversation and appreciation of art. Instagram+1 Attending the evening Vespers together can be a deeply moving and memorable experience, offering a shared moment of peace and reflection away from the city's hustle. Reddit The abbey's historical significance and artistic masterpieces make it a perfect stop for those seeking a deeper connection with Florence's past.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Florentine History

Founded in 978, Badia Fiorentina is one of the oldest monastic complexes in Florence. Its long history means it has undergone numerous renovations and additions, showcasing a fascinating blend of architectural styles from Romanesque and Gothic to Baroque. This layering of history makes exploring the abbey a journey through centuries of Florentine development. The original monastery was a significant building in Medieval Florence, reflecting the city's growing power and influence. Reddit

The abbey's church houses remarkable artworks, including Filippino Lippi's 'The Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard.' This painting is a significant piece of Renaissance art, known for its delicate execution and spiritual depth. The Chiostro degli Aranci (Orange Cloister) is another highlight, famous for its vibrant frescoes that narrate the life of Saint Benedict. These artworks are not only beautiful but also offer insights into the religious and cultural life of Florence throughout history. Instagram+1

The Monastic Community and Vespers

Badia Fiorentina is home to a community of brothers and sisters belonging to the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. This living monastic presence adds a unique spiritual dimension to the abbey, making it more than just a historical site. Visitors have the opportunity to experience this spiritual life firsthand by attending the evening Vespers service, typically held daily around 6:00 PM. Reddit

Attending Vespers is often described as a profound and time-traveling experience. The chanting of prayers by the monks and nuns creates an atmosphere of deep peace and contemplation, connecting visitors to a tradition that has been practiced here for hundreds of years. It's a chance to witness a living piece of history and feel the enduring spirit of monasticism in the heart of a bustling city. Reddit

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

The Badia Fiorentina is a testament to Florentine architecture and art. Its structure reflects centuries of evolution, with elements from different periods visible throughout. The Chiostro degli Aranci is particularly noteworthy, featuring a two-story arcade adorned with frescoes that are remarkably well-preserved. These frescoes are a visual chronicle of Saint Benedict's life, painted by an anonymous artist in the 15th century. Instagram+1

Inside the church, art enthusiasts will find several chapels containing impressive works. The most celebrated is Filippino Lippi's 'The Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard,' a masterpiece of the Florentine Renaissance. The interplay of light and shadow, the emotional depth of the figures, and the serene setting make it a captivating piece. Reddit The abbey's architecture itself, with its mix of styles, offers a rich visual experience for those interested in historical buildings. Reddit

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