Churches: Santo Spirito (Part 2 of 2)

At Santo Spirito, in addition to visiting the church and viewing great art there, we also toured the adjoining cloister.  We found beautiful art in the cloister as well.

Santo Spirito:  View inside the cloister

Santo Spirito:  From inside the cloister, a view of the bell tower and the dome of the sacristy

Along the walls of the cloister, there are many memorials to the departed.  One memorial caught our attention because it depicted a frightening angel of death hovering over the deceased. 

The cloister is also lined with beautiful frescoes.  The fresco pictured below depicts the miraculous prevention of an imminent shipwreck.

A refectory (dining hall) is located next to the cloister.   The refectory is beautifully decorated with frescoes.  The friars could enjoy the paintings while quietly eating their meals.

Wedding at Cana by Bernardino Poccetti (1597)

Last Supper by Bernardino Poccetti (1597)

Supper at Emmaus by Bernardino Poccetti (1597)

Dionysius the Areopagite by Bernardino Poccetti (1597).  Dionysius, venerated as a saint, was converted to Christianity by Paul and became the first Bishop of Athens.  

Baptism of Augustine by Bernardino Poccetti (1597)

Of course, it is always prudent to remind the friars to honor the rule of silence.  The carved sign pictured below provides that reminder.

Also located next to the cloister is the Chapter Hall, with an imposing three-dimensional crucifix. 

Adjoining the cloister is a large octagonal sacristy with a high dome.  A large, painted, wooden crucifix hangs inside the center of the sacristy.  Michelangelo carved the crucifix at a young age, 18 years.  The nudity of Christ's figure was considered shocking at the time. The legend is that Michelangelo gave the crucifix to the monastery at Santo Spirito in exchange for being allowed to conduct anatomical studies of cadavers from the hospital at Santo Spirito.  Below are two photos of the crucifix.

Crucifix by Michelangelo (1492)

Detail of Crucifix by Michelangelo

Thanks for touring Santo Spirito with us.