Girolamo Savonarola was burnt at the stake

Girolamo Savonarola was burnt at the stake.


The dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola was burnt at the stake in 1498 in Piazza della Signoria. He had dared too much: only a few years earlier in 1496, he set a bonfire to destroy profane books and works of art: even the famous painter Sandro Botticelli destroyed some of his works representing nudes. Savonarola condemned the excess and he preached against luxury and opulence of the church.

The painting below (1498), represents "The Burning of Savonarola in Piazza Signoria" and it is preserved inside the Convent of S Marco. It is very precious because it shows us the original pavement of the square. In the cell of the friar Savonarola's cloak is still displayed here together with a wooden crucifix owned to the friar and the book of his preaching and sermons. 
In the other photo, the standard Savonarola carried in procession and which he kept with him when preaching. The decoration probably dates from the time when the friar first entered the convent.

Hanging and burning of Girolamo Savonarola in Florence
the standard Savonarola carried in procession and which he kept with him when preaching
Altri articoli
Galileo Galilei kneels in front of the church
Galileo Galilei kneels in front of the church

In 1632 the scientist published his "Discorso sui massimi sistemi" and he risked to be burnt at the stake

Mary and Mario
Mary and Mario

The Porte Sante Cemetery, a final rest for many, symbolizes love, loss, and the eternal beauty of Florence through its storied inhabitants.

The terrestrial and celestial Gods
The terrestrial and celestial Gods

The wonderful decorations on the ceilings were commissioned by Cosimo I to Giorgio Vasari

The stone of the outrage
The stone of the outrage

From 1282 priors were representatives of the seven Major guilds: they fighted against the old aristocratic families revenging an active role of trade in Florence.