Museo di San Marco (San Marco Museum), Florence (must see)

Located in a Dominican convent adjacent to the church of San Marco, this museum showcases a remarkable collection of artworks by Fra Angelico, a renowned Dominican friar known for both his devotion and painting skills. Between 1439 and 1444, when the friars' cells were renovated, Fra Angelico adorned many of them with frescoes designed to inspire religious contemplation.

While rooted in the medieval religious style, Fra Angelico also embraced Renaissance techniques and sensibilities, resulting in pieces that seamlessly blended Christian symbolism with realistic elements of the Renaissance era. His works can be found throughout the museum, from the frescoes in the friars' cells to the exquisite panel paintings on display.

Be sure not to miss the famous "Annunciation" on the upper floor and the artworks in the gallery off the cloister upon entering. One notable highlight is his captivating "Last Judgment", where the torments of the damned exhibit more creativity and intrigue than the pleasures of the redeemed.

Why You Should Visit:
Extensive sacred art collection that leaves a lasting impression, particularly if you have an interest in the genre transition at the end of the Gothic and beginning of the Renaissance periods.

Tip:
The museum is inexpensive to visit (only €4) and is covered by the Firenze Card as well.
Make sure you check out the galleries and the cells on the top floor as these can be easily missed. The cell of Savonarola, a charismatic monk who emerged from the Christian right, is particularly noteworthy. He ousted the Medici family, transforming Florence into a theocracy and endorsing the infamous "bonfires of the vanities", where books, paintings, and other worldly possessions were burned. Eventually, Savonarola himself met a fiery end when Florence opted for a change of direction.