Badia Fiorentina
Florence's oldest abbey, a serene sanctuary with stunning frescoes and a living monastic community offering nightly Vespers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Badia Fiorentina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Florence's oldest abbey, a serene sanctuary with stunning frescoes and a living monastic community offering nightly Vespers.
"Experience centuries of history and spiritual peace at this hidden gem."
🤫 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chiostro degli Aranci
Cloister
A stunning two-story cloister adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting the life of Saint Benedict.

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

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
Beyond the Abbey Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 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.
🖼️ Admire Lippi's art
Don't miss 'The Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard' near the entrance.
💰 Entry fee is modest
A small fee grants access to this historic site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 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.
🖼️ Admire Lippi's art
Don't miss 'The Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard' near the entrance.
💰 Entry fee is modest
A small fee grants access to this historic site.
📸 Instagrammable moments
The cloister offers beautiful photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, it's very close to the Bargello Museum and within walking distance of the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.
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.
Yes, from certain viewpoints like the Michelangelo Stairs, you can see the Badia Fiorentina's bell tower as part of the Florence skyline.
🎫 🎫 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.
There is a small admission fee, typically around 3 Euros, to access the cloister and church.
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.
This cloister is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes depicting the life of Saint Benedict, offering a glimpse into medieval art and monastic life.
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.
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.
Yes, the cloister and church offer many beautiful photographic opportunities, especially the frescoes and architectural details.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
There's a small spot where you can order drinks, like rose wine, but it's described as a 'tiny hole' for pickup.
Prices can vary, but expect typical Florence city center prices. A glass of wine might cost around 8 Euros.
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.
Photography is generally allowed inside the church and cloister, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions.
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.
Many visitors capture the full sweep of the cloister's frescoes or focus on specific details within the artwork.
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
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples and Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Florentine History
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.
The Monastic Community and Vespers
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.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures
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. The abbey's architecture itself, with its mix of styles, offers a rich visual experience for those interested in historical buildings.
Social
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