Firenze in Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Tuscany, Italy — Southern and Western Europe (Mediterranean)

Barnabas de Oddis

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 26, 2025

1. Barnabas de Oddis Marker

Inscription. D. O. M.
Cosmo II Magno Hetruriæ Duce IIII
Foeliciter Imperante
D. Barnabas de Oddis, patritius Perusinus castri Lisciani dns sci Miniatis Abbas, huiusq Nosocome Commendator Auorum familiaritatis, qua perusiæ dominantes cum repca Flor vincti erant haud nescius cum et olim Oddus ano MCCLX. Florentinas militum cohortes duodeviginti duceret, et ano MCCCCLIIII. Carolus octingentor singulis mensibus coronator stipendio donatus, equestres tur mas aleret, AC deinceps usque hodie ex Oddorum Familia, quamplurimi apud sermos Magnos Duces Hetruriæ, benemeriti extiterint eo itidem ipsemet animo affectus È xenodochii pecuniis, quæ ipsius vigilantia superfuere. Ædificia æc pluribus ornamentis decorata, in Dei optimi cultum, In serrum principum observantiam, et in publicam pauperum utilitatem funditus erexit.

[English translation of the Latin text:]
D.O.M.
Cosimo II, fourth Grand Duke of Etruria
Happily ruling
Barnabas of Oddis, of a Perugian patrimonial line, Lord of Lisciani Castle, Abbot of Miniatis, leader of this hospital, patron of a familiar ancestry, dominant in Perugia, commended in Florence. They were aware that they were linked to the Oddus of long ago in the year 1260. He would lead 18 Florentine military cohorts and, in the year 1454, Charles was given

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a stipend of 800 crowns each month, and would support the cavalry troops, and from then on until today, the Oddis family name would be heard often. He also received well-deserved spirit of support from the Grand Dukes of Etruria, with money for the hospital, which remained under his watch. These buildings are ornamented in the full name of God, in observance of the principal law, and for the public benefit of the poor.

Erected 1612.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1612.

Location. 43° 46.389′ N, 11° 15.597′ E. Marker is in Firenze, Toscana (Tuscany), in Città Metropolitana di Firenze. It is on Piazza di Santa Maria Nuova. The plaque is near the entrance of Santa Maria Nuova Hospital. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Piazza di Santa Maria Nuova, Firenze, Toscana 50121, 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: Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova / Santa Maria Nuova Hospital (a few steps from this marker); Chiesa di Sant'Egidio / Church of Saint Giles (a few steps from this marker); Portico of Santa Maria Nuova Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Ex Convento delle Suore Oblate / Former Convent of the Oblate Sisters

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 26, 2025

2. Barnabas de Oddis Marker

The marker, which is more than 400 years old, can be found beneath the portico at Santa Maria Nuova Hospital. The Barnabas honored in the plaque commissioned the first paintings in the portico in the early 1600s; the full set of paintings would not be complete for more than 100 years.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Filippino Lippi Burial Place (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Chiesa di Santa Maria in Campo / Church of Saint Mary in the Field (about 180 meters away); Chiesa di San Michele / Church of San Michele (about 180 meters away); Enrica Calabresi (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Firenze.

Regarding Barnabas de Oddis. The Italian version of the name of the marker’s honoree is Barnabas degli Oddi. Degli Oddi was an Olivetan priest who in the 1600s served as director of Santa Maria Nuova Hospital. He commissioned the first paintings that line this portico, which appears to be why he is being honored with this marker.

Santa Maria Nuova Hospital was founded in 1288 by Folco Portinari, father of Beatrice, who is famous as the love interest of Dante. It is the oldest continuously running hospital in Florence.

Additional commentary.
1. Translation from Latin
The English translation above is a best attempt at translating the Latin text, which is dense and includes many abbreviations. Apologies

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 26, 2025

3. Barnabas de Oddis Marker

in advance for any errors in converting the inscription into modern English. That said, a few things are worth noting.

First, the term Hetruriæ for Cosimo II's realm seems to translate to Etruria, which is the ancient land of Central Italy whose inhabitants were called the Etruscans, and whose territory included what is now called Tuscany. Cosimo, a member of the Medici family, is most commonly known as the fourth Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Secondly, while it was a bit hard to suss out in the Latin text, Barnabas de Oddis does appear to be descended from a family that was long prominent in Perugia. However, this could not be definitively confirmed.

— Submitted August 21, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.

Barnabas de Oddis image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of the Italian Ministry of Culture, 1631

4. Barnabas de Oddis

Barnabas is depicted on the right (next to another priest named Pio Nuti) in this 17th-century fresco that can be found at the Convent of Monteoliveto Maggiore, about 70 kilometers south of Florence. According to the Italian Ministry of Culture, the frescoes at this convent honor notable Olivetan priests.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 21, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.