After months of disregard by the public administration, Father Ivan has finally had his prayers answered. The Basilica of Santo Spirito will soon be reopened to Florentines and tourists alike, thanks to area residents’ efforts to raise the necessary funds for increased surveillance to protect one of Florence’s most celebrated monuments.
Long-time director of the Basilica, Father Ivan, was forced to close the church’s doors months ago due to a series of safety and security issues in the area. Santo Spritio was habitually targeted by vandals, and the surrounding area occupied by loiterers and drunkards. The cathedral was opened only for major religious ceremonies and masses.
In a unique display of civic action, area residents, Gli amici di Santo Spirito, took it upon themselves to get things done. The church’s neighbors hit the streets to raise the funds needed to pay for daily surveillance.
President of the association, Agnese Mazzei, explained, ‘After not having received any response from the public administration, we decided to turn to the citizens of Florence for help, and within only ten days, we raised the necessary funds to keep the Basilica open for the rest of the year’. Starting in November, two security guards will be present for six hours a day to protect the centuries-old Basilica from harm.
In a unique display of civic action, area residents, Gli amici di Santo Spirito, took it upon themselves to get things done. The church’s neighbors hit the streets to raise the funds needed to pay for daily surveillance.
President of the association, Agnese Mazzei, explained, ‘After not having received any response from the public administration, we decided to turn to the citizens of Florence for help, and within only ten days, we raised the necessary funds to keep the Basilica open for the rest of the year’. Starting in November, two security guards will be present for six hours a day to protect the centuries-old Basilica from harm.
