HIDDEN GENIUS TOUR
Two Renaissance painters who have slipped from the public view are Andrea del Sarto and Andrea del Castagno. Del Sarto was revered by his contemporaries such as Michelangelo, and artists on their Grand Tour of Italy would detour to view his work.
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See the first Renaissance painting of the Last Supper
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View works by the painter revered by Michelangelo and Raphael
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Discover the stories of the now-hidden genius of del Sarto and del Castagno
Tour Description & Photos
DURATION
1 HOUR
TYPE OF TOUR
MUSEUM TOUR
VENUES
HISTORIC CENTRE OF
FLORENCE
A morning tour to view frescoes painted by 2 of the greatest Renaissance painters.
Join us on a journey to two lesser-known yet historically rich gems of Florence. We start at the Refectory of Sant’Apollonia, once the city’s largest convent for Benedictine nuns, founded in 1339. Here, we’ll admire Andrea del Castagno’s Last Supper, painted in 1447 by one of the Renaissance’s most sought-after artists. This beautiful fresco not only displays his mastery but also offers insight into Florence’s Golden Age, shaped by the patronage of the powerful Medici family.
From there, we’ll make our way to the nearby Chiostro dello Scalzo, the entrance hall to the chapel of the Compagnia dei Disciplinati di San Giovanni Battista, established in 1376. Starting in 1509, Andrea del Sarto and his collaborator Franciabigio adorned its walls with breathtaking monochrome scenes depicting the Life of St. John the Baptist.
Andrea del Sarto was highly regarded during his lifetime, as famous as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. Giorgio Vasari himself praised this work. The eight surviving scenes—including John’s birth, his time in the desert, the Baptism of Christ, and Salome’s infamous dance—reveal a world of refined simplicity, reflecting both artistic brilliance and the turbulent times of early 16th-century Florence.
THIS TOUR IS FOR YOU IF…
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You are interested in the history of this amazing city
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You appreciate art
LOGISTICS
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Meeting Point: Via XXV11 Aprile 1. Exact details will be provided in your confirmation email.
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We advise you to wear comfortable footwear and to have your shoulders and knees covered as we are entering religious buildings.
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We will provide headsets so you can hear your guide clearly
PRICES
This is a fixed price tour.
Price: €80
This is a private tour.
Guest numbers: Minimum: 1 Maximum: 9
Payment accepted via
FAQs
Will we be accessing any of the sights?
Yes, we will be visiting the cloisters and cenacolo to view the frescoes.
Does the weather affect the tours?
No. Barring Biblical-style floods, the tours continue rain or shine.
Does the fee include gratuities?
No, the fee covers the cost of your expert guide, their insurance and headsets.
Is this an English-language tour?
Yes, this tour is conducted in English. If you wish for tours in Italian, German or Korean we can also provide fluent speakers in those languages.
What clothing should I wear?
As we are entering religious buildings, you should cover your shoulders and knees. Trainers or walking shoes are recommended.
Will kids like this tour?
If your children enjoy discovering new places, learning about history and the people who made it - then they'll enjoy it!