Santa
Reparata’s miraculous intercession in 406 CE helped Florence defeat an
insurgence of the Ostrogoths, led by King Radagaiso, who had besieged the city.
Because of her role in maintaining ancient Florence’s independence and the
triumph of Christianity over the barbarians, Santa Reparata was named patron of
the city and the city’s then main cathedral was dedicated to her.
To
mark the event, on October 8, Centro Guide Turismo has organized special tours.
The event includes visits in the Tower of Pagliazza, with the St. Elizabeth
Roman baths and Byzantine artefacts, and the Roman theatre in the Palazzo
Vecchio. Another tour will visit the remains of early Christian cathedral of
Santa Reparata, excavations below the Florence Cathedral, and the Museum of the
Opera del Duomo Reservations are required and space is limited (call
055/2616056, Monday to Friday, 9am to noon).
Celebrations
continue with the offering of candles in the cathedral of Santa Maria del
Fiore, a parade of the Florentine Republic at 4pm, and a wreath-laying ceremony
at 4:30pm in the Crypt of Santa Reparata.
