On Borgo Ognissanti, this Franciscan church brings together early history and later Baroque design, with artworks by Giotto, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. Look for the tall Crocifisso di Ognissanti, Botticelli’s St Augustine in His Study and his tomb near Simonetta Vespucci’s. The former convent’s refectory has Ghirlandaio’s 1480 Last Supper fresco. The church is a quieter stop for art and history, with time to look closely at works that are easy to pass by.
From a 13th-century church to Baroque design
Ognissanti was founded by the Umiliati, a lay religious order associated with wool-making, and completed during the 1250s. The church was dedicated to all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, and later became a Franciscan church.
Its present appearance reflects a major rebuilding. Bartolomeo Pettirossi’s Baroque design was carried out in 1627, following the earlier church. The building was restored after damage from the 1966 flood. This history gives the church more than one period to look for: its foundation in the 13th century and the Baroque forms introduced centuries later.
Paintings, a crucifix and Botticelli’s tomb
Several works reward a slower look. The Crocifisso di Ognissanti, believed to date from around 1315, is more than 4.5 metres tall and hangs in the left wing near the altar. Botticelli’s Sant’Agostino nello Studio, or St Augustine in His Study, is another work to seek out.
At the second altar on the right, Ghirlandaio’s Madonna della Misericordia dates from 1470. Among the people depicted is the young Amerigo Vespucci, whose family worshipped at this church. Botticelli was buried here near Simonetta Vespucci, his muse. These details link the artworks to people connected with the parish, as well as to the artists who made them.
The Last Supper in the former convent
Ghirlandaio’s Last Supper, painted in 1480, is in the convent’s refectory, now part of the Cenacolo Ognissanti museum. The fresco measures 400 by 810 centimetres and is reached through the cloister. The church and the refectory are distinct parts of the visit, so allow time to locate the museum space rather than leaving without seeing it.
Access to the refectory has limited opening times, so check what is available before setting out. If it is open during your visit, the large fresco gives you a chance to see Ghirlandaio’s work in its original convent setting.
Preguntas frecuentes
What artworks can you see at Ognissanti Church?
Works include the Crocifisso di Ognissanti, Botticelli’s St Augustine in His Study and Ghirlandaio’s Madonna della Misericordia. Ghirlandaio’s Last Supper is in the former convent refectory.
Where is Ghirlandaio’s Last Supper?
It is in the former convent refectory, now part of the Cenacolo Ognissanti museum, accessed through the cloister. Its opening times are limited.
When was Ognissanti Church built?
The church was completed during the 1250s. It was rebuilt to Baroque designs in 1627 and restored after damage from the 1966 flood.
When can you visit Ognissanti Church?
The church is listed as open from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Tuesday.
