Tabernacle of Stinche - Free Audio Guide

The Tabernacolo delle Stinche is a largeedicola located at the intersection of Via Ghibellina and Via Isola delle Stinche in Florence, Italy. Historically significant, it was part of a series of tabernacles erected along the "streets of the malcontented," where prisoners and those condemned to death would pass. These structures aimed to offer spiritual consolation and encourage redemption through sacred imagery. Constructed around 1616, the tabernacle features a fresco painted by Giovanni da San Giovanni. It depicts the senator Girolamo Novelli, who is portrayed in the act of paying a ransom for a prisoner, illustrating one of the seven acts of mercy. The artwork carries a Latin inscription that emphasizes the importance of assisting those in need. Additionally, the tabernacle includes a representation of Saint Leonard, often confused with Saint Lawrence. The structure has undergone several restorations throughout its history, including significant work in the 19th century and further restorations in 1957, 1979, and 1995. The Tabernacolo delle Stinche not only serves as a religious landmark but also provides insight into the historical context of the prison system in Florence and the community's role in caring for its incarcerated. Visitors can appreciate both its artistic beauty and its poignant history as part of Florence's rich cultural heritage.