San Piero a Sieve (Scarperia e San Piero)
Founded by the Ubaldini prior to the 11th century, this convent is considered one of the most ancient in Tuscany .
The church and convent, designed by Michelozzo Michelozzi, were rebuilt at the request of Cosimo de' Medici.
As with Cafaggiolo and the Trebbio Castle, this architectural structure, too, unites the characteristics of the innovative Renaissance experience with those of the medieval one.
Therefore, ribs, vaults and cornices, clearly late Gothic references, were used in the building of the choir, while the new architectural lines that had begun to take shape in the city were used to construct the cloister, the cenacle and the Monks' cells.
Early members of the Medici family left the convent many precious gifts, among which we find the precious wooden crucifix attributed to Donatello.
Today it is preserved in the small sacred art museum near the convent.
