Florence, Ministry buys former church of San Procolo: will allow expansion of Bargello Museum

The Ministry of Cultural Heritage has purchased the former church of San Procolo in Florence: the purchase will allow for the expansion of the spaces of the Bargello National Museum. The church, which is located at the intersection of Via dei Giraldi and Via de’ Pandolfini, near the Bargello and the Badia Fiorentina church, has been known since the 11th century, although it underwent numerous interventions over the centuries: its present appearance dates from the 18th century, with its faux-architectural fresco finishes. Abolished as a parish in 1778, it became the seat of confraternities, including that of St. Anthony the Abbot (known as the “butchers”) and, in the 1930s, was the site of the so-called “masses of the poor” desired by Giorgio La Pira.

St. Procolo became the property of the Salviati family in 1786, was put under bond in 1991 (along with the works contained therein) and underwent extensive restoration beginning in 2005, when it suffered damage due to the collapse of the roofing. Thus, the latest chapter in the church’s history is its acquisition by MiBAC, at the proposal of the Superintendency of Florence. Along with the church, all of its works of art were also acquired, including important works of seventeenth-century Florentine art (such as altarpieces by Matteo Rosselli and Gaetano Piattoli) and a fifteenth-century panel depicting the Visitation with Saints, variously attributed to Ghirlandaio and Piero di Cosimo. The works have already been transferred to the superintendence’s storage rooms.

“We thank Minister Bonisoli and Director General Famiglietti,” say Superintendent Andrea Pessina and Bargello Director Paola D’Agostino, “for having immediately understood the importance of proceeding with the purchase of this prestigious structure. Not only will we thus return to public use a place charged with history and art, but we will also give the Bargello National Museum the opportunity to have new spaces for its needs.”

A press conference will be held on Tuesday, July 16, at 11:30 a.m. at the Bargello National Museum to explain all aspects of the important acquisition. Superintendent Andrea Pessina and Bargello Museums director Paola D’Agostino will speak.

Pictured: the former church of San Procolo in Florence. Ph. Credit Francesco Bini

Florence, Ministry buys former church of San Procolo: will allow expansion of Bargello Museum

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