Basilica Santissima Annunziata

The Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata (Most Holy Annunciation), home of the Servite order, stands in the square of the same name, near the Ospedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents) and is considered one of the most important shrines in Florence.

The very first church dates back to 1250 and its main structure took only a year to complete; works continued over the following years, with extensions and the building of various chapels, until the interventions by the architect Michelozzo were begun in 1481, with the help of Portigiani and Antonio Manettibegun. The last important restoration was carried out in 1857 by the architect Giuseppe Poggi.

The Chiosco dei Morti (Cloister of the Dead) is an example of Renaissance architecture and the tabernacle designed by Michelozzo can be seen there, as well as the crucifix attributed to Antonio Da Sangallo and the ‘Madonna del Sacco’ by Andrea del Sarto.

Baroque decorations are visible in the Basilica’s interior, particularly on the ceiling, with an abundance of marble work, stuccos and gilding. Among the organs, the masterpiece by Domenico di Lorenzo from Lucca stands out in particular. The 17 chapels are decorated and enhanced with the works by the greatest Renaissance masters, such as Rosso Fiorentino, Pontormo, Franciabigio and Andrea del Sarto, Giovan Battista Balatri and Luca Boncinelli.

See also: Florence Guided Tours

See also: Florence Cathedral guided visit