Santo Spirito

Basilica di Santo Spirito , also commonly known as the Church of the Holy Spirit, is a minor basilica. The term "Holy Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit in the Holy Trinity. It is located in the Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno district, an area less frequented by tourists compared to the Ponte Vecchio and the Florence Cathedral, yet it is equally rich in historical background and artistic collections.😻😻😻 Architecture and History: Brunelleschi's Last Work In the mid-14th century, the Renaissance literary pioneer Giovanni Boccaccio used to gather in this monastery to discuss humanist ideas. After his death in 1375, he bequeathed his collection of books to the Monastery of Santo Spirito.❤️❤️❤️ In 1428, the architectural master Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to design the new church, which became one of his significant late works. Unfortunately, he did not live to see its completion. The church we see today is one of the quintessential examples of Renaissance architecture designed by Brunelleschi: it features a clear structure, harmonious proportions, and gentle light, epitomizing rational aesthetics. Michelangelo's Wooden Crucifix: A Tribute from a 17-Year-Old At the age of 17, Michelangelo studied human anatomy in this monastery. A wooden crucifix he carved at that time is now housed in the old sacristy on the west side of the church. The lines of this crucifix are soft, and the body is realistically depicted, serving as a tribute from the young Michelangelo to art and faith. - Separate exhibition area, additional 2 euros required 😍😍😍 - Photography is prohibited Filippino Lippi's Work Inside the Church (No Photography Allowed) The church also houses a work by Filippino Lippi: "Pala Nerli" (1485–88). The Virgin Mary in this altarpiece is depicted with a gentle posture and delicate colors. A Stroll in the Cloister: Tombstones and Frescoes in the Rain The monastery's cloister is open to the public. I took a slow walk there in the light rain, with tombstones lining the corridors, creating a very serene atmosphere. On one side of the cloister, there is a small room containing three little-known frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti: - Supper at Emmaus - Wedding at Cana - The Last Supper Summary In the crowded Florence, the Basilica di Santo Spirito is one of the few places where you can quietly experience the Renaissance atmosphere. It is not only a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture but also a place that witnessed the beginning of a 17-year-old sculptor and Boccaccio's cultural legacy in his later years. If you want to find your own "humanistic corner" in Florence, come here for a walk. #ItalyTravel #Florence #RenaissanceArchitecture #Michelangelo #Frescoes #ArtAndLife #EuropeanArtHistory #BasilicaDiSantoSpirito #ChurchOfTheHolySpirit