The dove of Santa Maria del Fiore
Archeological excavations under the actual Santa Maria del Fiore confirmed the existence of an earlier Christian church with smaller size. The church was dedicated to the Saint Reparata.
The name giving Saint followed the early Christians and died as a martyr under the reign of Roman emperor Decius. When she was beheaded a dove flew out of her neck. This remembers the a mechanical dove which has an important role in the famous event of the Scoppio del Carro which happens every year in front of the Florentine cathedral.
The sculpture created by Amalia Dupré (1842–1928) found a prominent place at the central portal. The Florentines remember the Saint’s support during the battle against the Goths of Radagaisus, who was close to conquer Florence in 406, but beaten in a counterattack by Roman troups.
The belief in this Saint consolidated the confidence and helped to make the victory happen. Her martyrdom suffered in Cesarea in Palestine is symbolized by a palm leaf which she presses against her breast. Her left hand caresses it like a treasure.
