The façade of the 1487 Basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito is very bland because it was never completed, except for this bell tower. In contrast, the Corinthian columns, arches and frescos inside St. Mary of the Holy Spirit are far more interesting. What I found most interesting, however, is that the teenage Michelangelo was allowed to study corpses here from the convent’s hospital. In appreciation, he carved a simple wooden cross that can be seen in the sacristy.
