Reparata

Patron Saint of Florence in 3rd century

Little is known about Reparata, an early patron saint of Florence. According to tradition, she lived in Caesarea (Palestine) in the 3rd century. As a young girl, she was martyred during the reign of Roman Emperor Decius (249-251). She appears in the written record by the 9th century when Bede included her in his collection of martyr stories. In art, she has been depicted in many paintings and sculptures. The Roman Catholic Church venerates her on October 8th each year.

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Hagiography – There is physical evidence in the crypt of the Duomo in Florence that a church was built in the 4th century and named for Reparata. Like many cathedrals across Italy, the Duomo was built upon the site of an early Christian basilica named for a virgin martyr. The 4th-century church was constructed less than 100 years after Reparata’s death, to honor her memory and ensure her protection and blessing. In addition to the 4th-century ruins, tombs, and tile flooring, there is also evidence in the crypt that Reparata’s basilica was greatly enlarged in the 9th century and maintained its titular namesake. Reparata’s following increased greatly across Europe, but especially in Italy during the Middle Ages, largely due to the publishing of her Passion narrative. When the new cathedral in Florence was constructed (1296-1436), it was dedicated to St. Mary, likely due to the growing spread of her cult.