The Historic San Procolo Church on Via de’ Giraldi is one of Florence’s lesser-known gems, blending centuries of architectural transformations with a fascinating cultural story. Located near the Bargello Museum, it has witnessed medieval devotion, Baroque renovations, charitable movements, and recent plans for museum expansion.
Medieval Origins and Benedictine Ties
The Historic San Procolo Church dates back to the 11th or early 12th century. In 1064, the Bishop of Florence donated the site to the Benedictine monks of the Badia Fiorentina to guarantee its upkeep and expansion. Over the centuries, the church underwent enlargements in 1214, 1278, and 1567, reflecting the evolving needs of Florence’s religious community.
Learn more about Florence’s medieval churches.
Baroque Transformation and Confraternities
Around 1622, the church was reoriented and later transformed between 1739 and 1743 into a Baroque interior. During this period, it became the seat of the Confraternita di Sant’Antonio Abate dei Macellai, the so‑called “butchers’ confraternity,” famous for its charitable activities and penitential rituals. This change marked a new chapter in the history of the Historic San Procolo Church, tying it to Florence’s social and cultural fabric.
Discover more about Florence’s Baroque art.
From Parish Suppression to Modern Times
In 1778, San Procolo was suppressed as a parish and handed entirely to local confraternities. In the 20th century, it became a center of charity under Mayor Giorgio La Pira, hosting the famous Messa dei Poveri for Florence’s poor. However, tragedy struck during the 1966 Arno flood, which caused extensive damage, and again in 2005, when the roof collapsed, destroying 18th-century frescoes. Despite these hardships, the Historic San Procolo Church remained a symbol of resilience.
Read about the 1966 Florence flood.
A New Future as Part of the Bargello
In 2019, the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage acquired the church to integrate it into the expansion of the nearby Museo Nazionale del Bargello. This move aims to preserve its unique history and open it to the public as part of Florence’s museum network. Visitors will soon be able to explore the Historic San Procolo Church alongside masterpieces of Renaissance art.
Find out more about the Bargello Museum.
Artistic Legacy
Although many original works have been relocated, the church once housed masterpieces by artists such as Domenico Ghirlandaio, Piero di Cosimo, Lorenzo Monaco, and Filippino Lippi. These connections make the Historic Church a significant chapter in Florence’s artistic heritage.
Explore Florence’s Renaissance masters.
