San Marco museum in Florence

I love this place, both outside and inside. It's a perfect place for a bit of contemplation. And it's a real treat for the eyes.

Outside

The courtyard is a little haven of shade and peace on a hot morning. (San Marco is only open in the mornings.)

The frescoes are in very good condition and beautifully bright and colourful.

Inside

Inside, the monks' cells are laid out around three sides of a square. Each cell has its own painting for contemplation. These alone would be worth going to Florence to see. The paintings are all variations on a small number of biblical scenes, making a visit feel a bit like a pilgrimage.

The library

And then there is the library with its illuminated texts and music on vellum in the display cabinets.

There is also a lot of interesting stuff about how vellum parchment is made.

The hospice

The hospice is a glorious treasure trove, full of paintings by Fra Angelico, who also did the paintings in monks' cells.  Gold leaf is everywhere in this room!

This triptych is nearly 600 years old, and is complete with the outsides, and all in wonderful condition.

The other rooms in the museum

This crucifixion by Fra Angelico stands by a bell with a story of its own.

Just so you get the idea of the size of the bell -

St Francis is never far away.

Madonna and child -

Saints Catherine of Siena and Antonio Abate -

John the Baptist and Thomas Aquinas -

Saint Dominic -

I'm not sure who these two are!

The big altar piece was recently damaged by a storm, and only recently put back on display after restoration work.

And this is the monks at table -

All in all, a great place to visit, and very good value for 6 euros.