San Giovanni in Firenze in Cittΰ Metropolitana di Firenze, Tuscany, Italy — Southern and Western Europe (Mediterranean)
Oratorio dei Buonomini di San Martino
⎯⎯⎯
Order of the Good Men of Saint Martin
Inscription.
The confraternity of the Buonomini di San Martino was founded in 1441 by Archbishop Sant' Antonino, who is portrayed above the door. He summoned twelve men to help those Fiorentine families that had fallen on hard times but were ashamed to ask for charity. Since then the Buonomini have continued to assist those in similar distress, distribuing funds allocated for that purpose by the city. The painting by Cosimo Ulivelli in the niche on the faηade shows San Martino distributing alms to the poor. When the Buonomini find themselves in extreme need of money, they light a candle on the main door. The Italian expression "essere ridotti al lumicino", (literally, to be reduced to the candle, in the other words to be stony broke) derives from this custom. The frescoes inside the building were painted in the late 15th century by an artist from Domenico Ghirlandaio's workshop. The ten lunettes all refer to the stories of San Martino and his charitable works.
Erected by Cittΰ Metropolitana di Firenze.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1441.
Location. 43° 46.252′ N, 11° 15.405′ E. Marker is in Firenze, Toscana (Tuscany), in Cittΰ Metropolitana di Firenze. It is in San Giovanni. It is at the intersection of Piazza San Martino and Via Dante Alighieri, on the left when traveling north on Piazza San Martino. The marker is located on the left side of the front entrance to
the chapel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Piazza S Martino 1R, Firenze, Toscana 50122, Italy. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, the Schengen Area, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire, and specifically the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Torre della Castagna / Chestnut Tower (a few steps from this marker); Dante's Birthplace (a few steps from this marker); Vasco Pratolini (within shouting distance of this marker); Chiesa di Santa Margherita dei Cerchi / Church of Saint Margaret of the Cerchi (within shouting distance of this marker); Chiesa di Santa Margherita in Santa Maria dei Ricci (within shouting distance of this marker); Elena Genazzani (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Abramo Genazzini (about 90 meters away); Mario Melli Genazzini (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Firenze.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 10, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.


