In 1442 Ubertino de Bardi was desperate to be a father, and donated the Chiesa di Santa Monica to Santa Monica (mother of St. Augustine) in the hope that after this good deed, his prayers would be answered.

In the 16th century, Camilla Martelli, first the lover and then second wife of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I de'Medici and mother of Virginia de'Medici (Duchess of Modena) had her early education in this convent.

After centuries of history and extensive remodelling, the church that once belonged to the convent of the Augustinian nuns of Santa Monica now provides a dramatic backdrop for concerts and performances.      

Address

Via Santa Monaca, 6, 50124 Florence

Getting There 

Bus: Lines C3 and D (Sant'Agostino); Line 11 (Serragli)