The Florentine Tabernacles project involves the conservation and restoration of a series of open-air sacred shrines scattered throughout the city of Florence, located along streets and corners of pedestrian and road traffic. These structures, which date back to different eras—from the revival in the 13th century to the peak of production between the 15th and 16th centuries—are evidence of a devotional and urban tradition: since Roman times, small shrines with sacred images were erected along the streets, and in Florence this model consolidated during Christian times with the spread of tabernacles on street corners, for protective and community purposes.
In the Florentine context, sacred shrines were erected not only as religious markers but also as meeting places and places of spontaneous worship: open-air masses were celebrated in front of them (especially in times of crisis such as the plague of 1348), candles were lit, and the faithful and travelers gathered. In the 15th century, the city's guilds, confraternities, merchants, and convents commissioned paintings and sculptures from renowned artists to be placed in these tabernacles, to demonstrate public devotion and ensure the protection of the urban community.
However, these artifacts today are in a problematic state of conservation: the ravages of time, exposure to the elements, and lack of maintenance have caused deterioration of both the external structure (plaster, frames, and protective coverings) and the internal painted or sculptural surfaces. Hence the intervention: cleaning the surfaces, consolidating the painted surfaces, restoring the finishes, installing shatterproof and anti-reflective protective glass, and resurfacing the plaster frames and stone or brick materials exposed to humidity.
In conclusion, the project represents an opportunity to safeguard an element of urban heritage that combines art, devotion, and public space, restoring visibility and dignity to these small but significant sacred architectures embedded in the fabric of the city.
Contact the representatives for more information or to express your interest.
