If you’re staying in a holiday villa in Tuscany, a worthwhile day trip would be to the old centre of Florence city, home to the famous tree monument in honour of a popular legend that was born here. An elm tree once grew in the square beside a huge cathedral in the city centre.
Today visitors can see a wrought iron testament of the magical tree that seems to have strengthened the faith of those who believe in the legend. Those wishing to spend a few days here exploring the majestic city have a huge array of stylish apartments available in and around Florence.
A few centuries ago there lived a man called Zanobi who was a member of the noble Girolami family. Born in 340AD, he went on to become the bishop of Florence and was a well liked and dedicated man of God.
Today visitors can see a wrought iron testament of the magical tree that seems to have strengthened the faith of those who believe in the legend. Those wishing to spend a few days here exploring the majestic city have a huge array of stylish apartments available in and around Florence.
A few centuries ago there lived a man called Zanobi who was a member of the noble Girolami family. Born in 340AD, he went on to become the bishop of Florence and was a well liked and dedicated man of God.
He met the pope one day who was so impressed with him that he gave him the title of being the head of the Florentine church. Until his death in 417AD, Zanobi was said to have preformed many miracles and healed many people who came to him for help.
A few years after his death, a new cathedral had been built in the city centre and it was agreed that his remains would be transferred from the nearby San Lorenzo church to there. Because he was such an adored saint, many people crowded into the square to catch a glimpse of the coffin as it passed by. But people started pushing each other to get closer and the coffin was pushed towards an elm tree that grew there. The legend says that as it drew closer and actually hit off the tree, it burst into a bloom of leaves and flowers! People were amazed by this event and wrote many stories and poems of it that can still be viewed today.
A few years after his death, a new cathedral had been built in the city centre and it was agreed that his remains would be transferred from the nearby San Lorenzo church to there. Because he was such an adored saint, many people crowded into the square to catch a glimpse of the coffin as it passed by. But people started pushing each other to get closer and the coffin was pushed towards an elm tree that grew there. The legend says that as it drew closer and actually hit off the tree, it burst into a bloom of leaves and flowers! People were amazed by this event and wrote many stories and poems of it that can still be viewed today.
A few years later the tree died and the people of Florence decided to build a shrine in memory of it and eventually the iron wrought tree was erected here. Every year on the 26th January, the city people decorate it in honour of San Zanobi’s miraculous touch to it, even in death!
This is only one of many related articles on the fascinating legends of Tuscany and would be a worthwhile read if you would like some inspiration for exciting places to visit during your vacation here!
This is only one of many related articles on the fascinating legends of Tuscany and would be a worthwhile read if you would like some inspiration for exciting places to visit during your vacation here!
Photo credits
picture 1: Jebulon / CC0 1.0 Universal;
picture 2: Sailko / CC BY;
picture 1: Jebulon / CC0 1.0 Universal;
picture 2: Sailko / CC BY;
