There are so many major sites to see in Firenze, making it very easy to miss this jewel. I am so pleased that I found out about it during my January 2015 visit, thanks to my dear friend, Lisa Condie, from Find Yourself in Tuscany.
The Badia Fiorentina is an ancient abbey and church in the heart of Firenze on Via del Proconsolo, across the street from The Bargello Museum. There are over 1,000 years of history in these walls.
As I stepped into the Badia Fiorentina, I found myself in an oasis of beauty, art and peacefulness. At Lisa’s recommendation, I went just before Vespers, to have some time for silent reflection, in preparation for what was to come. As I breathed it all in, at 6:00pm, approximately a half dozen nuns and monks from the Fraternity of Jerusalem (the current order inhabiting the abbey) entered in a serene and holy manner. What happened next, I was totally unprepared for. They began their ethereal chanting, in beautiful harmonies, which enveloped me in overwhelming emotion. I suddenly saw my life both simultaneously small and large. The best way to describe this, and I’m not sure I’m doing it justice, is that although I am a little blip on this planet, I am part of the whole, I am part of everyone, and it was tremendous. I felt pure joy and.... well....heaven. I know it sounds a bit out there...even for me, but it was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever spent in Firenze. Grazie Lisa!
Supposedly Dante Alighieri, the famous poet, grew up across the street in what is now called Casa di Dante, though it’s possible this was not his real home, but it’s in the vicinity and that's a story for another day. The Badia Fiorentina is said to have been his favorite church. I bring this up because, Inferno, Dan Brown’s famous novel, turned Hollywood thriller, opening October 2016, refers to Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy. In fact, the opening scene of the movie involves the Badia Fiorentina: as a man (that would be Tom Hanks) is chased at night through the city center of Firenze, crosses the Ponte Vecchio, and runs through the medieval streets to the Badia Fiorentina, climbing the bell tower and jumping to avoid being captured. I am so going to see this movie!
I leave you with a few videoclips of the chanting. I didn’t spend too much time filming as I wanted to immerse myself in the experience and not be distracted. I hope you get a sense of peace in listening. And if you are blessed to be in Firenze, I strongly encourage you to visit the Badia Fiorentina.
For more information on the Badia Fiorentina click here.
Buon Weekend & Big Love, PatriciaG