THE PLACE
The Badìa Fiorentina is an abbey and church of the Fraternity of Jerusalem situated on the Via del Proconsolo in the centre of Florence, Italy.

Description:
The slender pointed bell tower of this Benedictine abbey founded in A.D. 978 is one of the landmarks of the Florentine skyline. Sadly, the bells Dante wrote of in his Paradiso no longer toll the hours. Serious structural problems have silenced the tower. In the now-baroque interior, some say Dante first laid eyes on his beloved Beatrice, and Boccaccio, of Decameron fame, used to lecture on Dante's Divine Comedy here. The church's most arresting sight is a 1485 Filippino Lippi painting of the Madonna Appearing to St. Bernard. The box to shed light on it parcels out a measly 10 seconds for each coin, so feed it only the smallest pieces. For a nominal "donation," the sacristan will throw on the lights to the trompe l'oeil ceiling.

HISTORY
This ancient church was rebuilt in 1285; its graceful bell tower, best seen from the interior courtyard, is beautiful for its unusual construction -- a hexagonal tower built on a quadrangular base. The interior of the church was halfheartedly remodeled in the baroque style during the 17th century; its best-known work of art is the delicate Vision of St. Bernard by Filippino Lippi (circa 1457-1504), on the left as you enter. The painting -- one of Lippi's finest -- is in superb condition; note the Virgin Mary's beautifully rendered hands.

Hours:
Thurs-Tues 5-7pm (sometimes also in the morning)

Prices:
Free admission