Chiesa di San Giovannino degli Scolopi

San Giovannino degli Scolopi is a church in central Florence, built for the Jesuits and later associated with the Piarist fathers, or Scolopi. Its vaulted interior is decorated with scenes from the Apocalypse, and an altarpiece painted by Alessandro Allori in 1587 includes a portrait of the poet Laura Battiferri.

Why it matters

The church belongs to Florence’s early Jesuit history. Rebuilding began in 1579 to a design by Bartolommeo Ammannati, as the Society of Jesus established its church and adjoining college in the city. The complex later passed to the Scolopi, and the former college is now the Liceo Galileo. The church is owned by the City of Florence.

What to notice

The great vault is decorated with scenes from the Apocalypse of Saint John. Alessandro Allori’s altarpiece of 1587 includes the likeness of Laura Battiferri, a poet and benefactress of the Jesuits. The vault’s large-scale religious imagery and Allori’s altarpiece are prominent elements of the interior.

Context and history

The Jesuit rebuilding begun in 1579 continued under Giulio and Alfonso Parigi after Ammannati’s death, reaching completion in 1661. During the 2019 restoration, the façade, the Apocalypse-decorated vault and Allori’s altarpiece were restored. The work was directed by the City’s fine-arts service in agreement with the Soprintendenza and funded by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.