Cenacolo di Santo Spirito

Inside the Basilica of Santo Spirito in Florence, the Cenacolo is a former 14th-century refectory now displaying the collection donated by antique dealer Salvatore Romano. Its works range from medieval architectural fragments and sculptures to detached frescoes and furniture. Look for Andrea Orcagna’s faded wall painting: the Crucifixion remains largely visible, while only fragments of the Last Supper survive below. The compact museum makes a focused art stop, and you can pair it with a visit to the basilica.

A refectory turned museum

The Cenacolo is in the Basilica of Santo Spirito, at Piazza Santo Spirito 29. Built in the mid-14th century when the site belonged to an Augustinian monastery, the room was originally a refectory. It is a rare surviving example of the medieval space, preserved before later renovations associated with Brunelleschi changed other parts of the complex.

The room now houses the collection of Salvatore Romano, an antique dealer and collector. In 1946 he donated works to Florence for display here. Romano arranged the collection himself, and the city agreed that it should remain in that arrangement. His tomb is also in the refectory, in a sarcophagus.

Orcagna’s wall painting

The main work to seek out is a fresco by Andrea Orcagna, also known as Andrea di Cione, made between 1360 and 1366. A Crucifixion occupies the upper part of the wall. Much of it remains, though the colours have faded. Below it was a Last Supper; only two apostles and the halos of two others are still visible. An opening made through the painting to reach the neighbouring building caused the loss of the rest.

Elsewhere, the collection brings together sculptures, detached frescoes, furniture and architectural pieces dating from the 11th to the 17th centuries. Column capitals and other fragments sit alongside the larger works. The range is eclectic, so allow time to look at individual objects as well as the fresco.