The monastery dedicated to St. Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi, in Borgo Pinti, Florence,  was founded in 1256 and entrusted in the 14th century to Cistercian nuns.

Starting in 1481, the monastery and the church were rebuilt in Renaissance forms and at the end of the 15th century the Chapter House was frescoed by Pietro Perugino with the Crucifixion.

This fresco portrays Christ on the Cross, the Virgin Mary,  St. John and the Saints Bernard and Benedict; commissioned by Dionigi and Giovanna Pucci, it was painted by Perugino between 1493 and 1496.

The fresco is divided into three parts, corresponding to the three arches; however, thanks to the same, continuous  background, it has a sense of unity. 
A typical Umbrian landscape is depicted here, with gently rolling hills, rocks and streams, luminous and serene, that dispels any hint of drama from this Crucifixion in which the characters portrayed appear detached, almost indifferent.

In the same room are conserved the detached fresco and its sinopia drawing with St. Bernard receiving the body of Christ in his arms, probably painted in 1506 by a pupil of Perugino.

The Charter House was previously closed for restoration works, but since February 1st, 2011, it is once again open to the public.

Visits are possible on Tuesdays and Thursdays when school is open, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

The Sala del Perugino can be reached from Via della Colonna 9, the main entrance of the Liceo Classico Michelangiolo ( a public school).

Visits are possible on the above-mentioned days when these do not coincide with school holidays or with periods in which the school is closed.

Free admission
Info: Firenze Musei,  +39 055 294883