Convento di San Francesco

The Convent of San Francesco rises above Fiesole and remains home to a Franciscan community. Its church, three cloisters and missionary museum preserve centuries of religious life and a collection of Tuscan art.

Why it matters

The Franciscans founded the convent in 1399, expanding an earlier chapel and house associated with Benedictine nuns. The hillside complex is a living religious site, not a deconsecrated monument, and its architecture and art reflect the order's history in Fiesole.

What to notice

The church received a neo-Gothic restoration by Giuseppe Castellucci in 1905. Its interior has a single nave and an ogival vault; frescoes of Saint Francis decorate the entrance porch. Altarpieces include works by Cenni di Francesco, Piero di Cosimo, Bicci di Lorenzo, Raffaellino del Garbo and Neri di Bicci. The convent's three cloisters preserve frescoes, including scenes of Saint Francis preaching to the birds. The Conventino di San Bernardino retains the oldest part of the complex.

Context and history

The convent grew from a chapel and house dating to 1225. Over time, the complex accommodated theological study, a school and an infirmary. Its missionary museum reflects the Franciscan community's international connections. The convent continues to serve as a centre of prayer and hospitality.