Chiostro dello Scalzo
Small Renaissance cloister with Andrea del Sarto’s monochrome fresco cycle on the stories of Saint John the Baptist.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The cloister was the atrium of the chapel of the Compagnia dei Disciplinati di San Giovanni Battista, known as “dello Scalzo” after the brother who carried the cross barefoot in processions, founded in Florence in 1376. The small cloister, attributed to Giuliano da Sangallo and divided by slender columns with Corinthian capitals, was entirely frescoed by Andrea del Sarto, a member of the confraternity, between 1509 and 1526.
The work, executed in monochrome chiaroscuro (“terretta”), traces in ten scenes the life of the patron saint of Florence, from his birth to the baptism of the multitudes, the preaching in the desert, Salome’s dance and the beheading. It also includes the four virtues Faith, Hope, Charity and Justice beside the doors. Giorgio Vasari records in his Lives the commission of the twelve paintings. In 1518–1519, during Andrea del Sarto’s stay in France, Franciabigio painted two scenes: the Blessing of Saint John the Baptist departing for the desert and the Meeting of Christ and Saint John the Baptist.
Above the entrance door, after the restoration of the façade, there is a glazed terracotta lunette attributed to Giovanni della Robbia, with Saint John the Baptist and two confraternity members. Today the cloister is a state museum of the Regional Directorate of the National Museums of Tuscany and holds one of the most important cycles of early 16th-century Florentine painting.
Highlights
- Monochrome cycle by Andrea del Sarto with the stories of Saint John the Baptist (1509–1526)
- Two scenes by Franciabigio from 1518–1519
- The four virtues beside the doors
- Glazed terracotta lunette attributed to Giovanni della Robbia
Permanent exhibition
- Affreschi di Andrea del Sarto e Franciabigio nel chiostro – Monochrome chiaroscuro cycle with the stories of Saint John the Baptist and the four virtues, executed between 1509 and 1526, with two scenes by Franciabigio.
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali della Toscana (Ministero della Cultura)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 9,249
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2citizens of the European Union aged 18 to 25 |
Tickets also online; the 18app cultural bonus is accepted. Reductions and free admission follow the rules applicable to state museums.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Bookings and information: toll-free number 800 615 615 from Italy or +39 055 035 41 35 from abroad, every day 8:00–19:00. Educational visits for schools by reservation (tel. +39 055 294883, didattica@operalaboratori.com). |
