The first news of the church dates back to 1002 when it was defined as Ecclesia Sancti Benedicti extra muros civitatis Florentiae. In effect, at that time, the church lay outside the Carolingian circle of walls.

It was one of the 36 ancient Florentine parish churches. It possessed economic goods outside of Florence, and several of its Rectors are cited in various documents as of 1127. Often indicated in documents as close to the Cathedral of Santa Reparata and as even closer to the Church of San Pietro in Coelorum, frequently known to townsfolk as San Pietro in Celidoro, it is even found remembered as Santa Reparata.