Santo Spirito’s ‘Floralia’ Benefit Market

Floralia per Santo Spirito in Piazza Santo Spirito will be held in the cloister of the church on October 10 from 10 am to 7 pm.  The Friends of Santo Spirito Association, to raise funds for the supervision of the church and to ensure the church remains open to the public at no cost, has organized the annual event

The small market exhibition, decorated by horticulturists, will host exhibitors who will sell plants, flowers, herbs, saffron handcrafted jewelry, watercolors, terracotta, design objects for the home, clothing, fabrics, eyeglasses and accessories, jams and jellies, and more.

In addition, there will be guided tours of the Basilica and the wooden Crucifix by a young Michelangelo in the sacristy, whose restoration was financed by The Friends of Florence. The crucifix was carved in 1492 when the artist sought refuge in the friendship of the prior of Santo Spirito, when his father was opposed to his decision to become an artist. To enhance “Floralia,” there will be workshops on making wreaths, woven wicker baskets, watercolors and perfumes.   For more information visit www.amicisantospirito.it.

The association made it their mission in 2007 to keep the church open to the public and the president, Agnese Mazzei continuously emphasizes that basilica is not part of the museum system with a mandatory admission fee.  (rosanna cirigliano & beatrice paolucci)