The column near the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence, particularly those known as the “Colonna di San Zanobi” (Columns of Saint Zenobius), have a fascinating history rooted in both early Christian Florence and the city’s medieval heritage. Here’s an overview of the origin and significance:
1. Historical Context: Early Christian Florence and Saint Zenobius
The column is closely linked to Saint Zenobius (San Zanobi), one of the most venerated early Christian figures in Florence. Zenobius was the first bishop of Florence, serving from the late 4th century to the early 5th century (around 337–417 AD). He is celebrated for his role in converting much of Florence to Christianity and his efforts in defending the city from invasions and heresies during a time when Christianity was still gaining a foothold in the Roman Empire.
After his death, Zenobius was buried in the Cathedral of Santa Reparata, the original cathedral of Florence, which was later replaced by Santa Maria del Fiore (the current Florence Cathedral or Duomo). Over time, his tomb became a pilgrimage site.
2. The Miracle of Saint Zenobius and the Columns
The column is directly associated with a famous miracle attributed to Saint Zenobius. According to legend, when his relics were being transferred from the Church of San Lorenzo to Santa Reparata in the 9th century, as the procession passed through the Piazza San Giovanni (near the Baptistery), the coffin touched a dead elm tree. Miraculously, the tree burst into bloom, symbolizing new life and the saint’s divine power.
To commemorate this miracle, a column was erected on the spot where the tree stood, marking the event. The column is known as the Colonna di San Zanobi. The blossoming of the tree is seen as a metaphor for Florence’s spiritual and cultural renewal under Christianity.
3. The Columns and Their Significance
- Colonna di San Zanobi: The main column, located near the Baptistery, commemorates the exact spot where the miraculous tree blossomed. It originally stood in a prominent position in front of the Baptistery and served as a reminder of Saint Zenobius’s role in Florence’s early Christian history. A bronze plaque at its base recalls the miracle. Over the centuries, the column has been moved and restored several times, but it remains a key symbol of Florence’s religious heritage.
- Architectural Features: The Colonna di San Zanobi is a simple yet significant monument. The column is made of marble and topped with a cross, symbolizing the Christian faith. Although the original column might have been more elaborately decorated, its current form is more subdued, reflecting a reverence for the saint rather than grandeur.
4. Medieval and Renaissance Florence
The column near the Baptistery, including the Colonna di San Zanobi, played an important role in the medieval and Renaissance life of Florence. The Piazza San Giovanni, where the Baptistery, the Cathedral, and the columns are located, was the religious and civic heart of the city. The Baptistery itself, dating from the 11th century, was Florence’s oldest religious building, and the columns added to the sacred atmosphere of the space.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the column and the Piazza San Giovanni were places of public gatherings, religious processions, and significant events in the life of the city. The columns, in particular, served as both physical markers of holy events and symbolic reminders of the city’s Christian foundations.
5. Current State and Legacy
Today, the Colonna di San Zanobi remains an important symbol for the city. While many tourists visit the Baptistery and the nearby Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the column often goes unnoticed, though it still holds deep historical and religious meaning for Florentines.
In addition to the Colonna di San Zanobi, there are other columns in the area, some of which date back to later periods, including the Renaissance. This column often served as decorative elements or as marker for public and civic events, but they do not carry the same religious significance as the Colonna di San Zanobi.
Conclusion
The columns close to the Baptistery of San Giovanni are deeply tied to the early Christian history of Florence, especially the legend of Saint Zenobius. They serve as a reminder of the city’s spiritual heritage and the miracles attributed to its early bishop, whose influence shaped the religious landscape of Florence for centuries. The Colonna di San Zanobi, in particular, stands as a testament to both historical faith and the continued reverence for one of the city’s most beloved saints.
