Tabernacle of Bargello - Free Audio Guide

The Tabernacolo del Bargello is a large neo-Gothic tabernacle located at the corner of Via Ghibellina and Via dell'Acqua in Florence, behind the Palazzo del Bargello. It was constructed between 1325 and 1346 and was rebuilt in 1859 to protect a fresco by Fabrizio Boschi, depicting "Saint Bonaventure Visiting the Prisoners," which was commissioned in 1591 by the Compagnia di San Bonaventura dei Carcerati. This artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the community's responsibility to care for prisoners, who were largely unsupported by public funds. Traditionally, on Saint Bonaventure's feast day (July 15), the palace gates would open for charities and citizens to donate food and necessities to the inmates. The fresco illustrates Saint Bonaventure offering food to prisoners through a barred window, symbolizing compassion and charity. The scene is enriched with angels and figures representing charitable members of the community. The tabernacle is not only an artistic landmark but also holds cultural significance, reflecting Florence's historical approach to social welfare and community support. It was severely damaged during the 1966 Florence flood but was restored in 1996, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors to Florence can appreciate its historical and artistic value, as well as its role in the city's rich tradition of devotion and charity.