The monastery was built between 1025-1028 on the location of a former chapel dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Romulus. Originally, it bore the name of Saint Bartholomew. The present appearance dates from between 1456 and 1467, after the architect Michelozzo was commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici for a Renaissance style expansion.
The former convent, currently looking out on the EUI's library wing. This facility was also the home for the Class of 1969-1970 Italian California International Program group.
The construction or modification of the belfry dates to the mid-twelfth century or a little later.