Basilica della Santissima Annunziata (Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation), Florence
Constructed in the mid-13th century, this church underwent a significant renovation in 1447 by Michelozzo. One of the standout features he added was an enchanting entrance cloister adorned with frescoes by renowned artists Andrea del Sarto (1486鈥�1530), Pontormo (1494鈥�1556), and Rosso Fiorentino (1494鈥�1540). The church's history is also intertwined with the famous Annunciation fresco, which friar Bartolomeo began painting in 1252. Legend has it that, feeling despondent about his inability to capture the beauty of the Virgin's face, he fell asleep, only to awaken and find the painting miraculously finished鈥攁n event he attributed to an angel. The painting itself gained immense veneration and even received a dedicated tribune designed by architect Leon Battista Alberti, completed in 1481.
The church's facade, crafted by architect Caccini in 1601, imitates the Renaissance style of Brunelleschi's facade at the Foundling Hospital. This facade defines the eastern side of the square ("Piazza Santissima Annunziata") where the church proudly stands.
Within the church, visitors will discover a rare sight in Florence鈥攁n overwhelming example of Baroque architecture. A prime illustration can be found in the Cappella dell鈥橝nnunziata, located immediately to the left upon entering. The chapel's lower half, commissioned by Piero de鈥� Medici in 1447, boasts grand Corinthian columns and a carved frieze bearing the Medici coat of arms. The upper half, added two centuries later, features exuberant curves and mischievous sculpted cherubs. Art enthusiasts should also take note of the second chapel on the left, where they will find the exquisite "Holy Trinity with Saint Jerome". Painted by Andrea del Castagno (circa 1421鈥�57), this masterpiece depicts a thin and gaunt Saint Jerome accompanied by his devoted followers, Paula and Eustochium.
Another noteworthy highlight is the organ, constructed between 1509 and 1521 by Domenico di Lorenzo da Lucca. It proudly holds the title of the oldest organ in Florence and the third oldest in all of Italy.
Tip:
Unlike many other churches in Florence, this one remains highly active. Visitors are kindly advised not to enter if Mass is being conducted.
The church's facade, crafted by architect Caccini in 1601, imitates the Renaissance style of Brunelleschi's facade at the Foundling Hospital. This facade defines the eastern side of the square ("Piazza Santissima Annunziata") where the church proudly stands.
Within the church, visitors will discover a rare sight in Florence鈥攁n overwhelming example of Baroque architecture. A prime illustration can be found in the Cappella dell鈥橝nnunziata, located immediately to the left upon entering. The chapel's lower half, commissioned by Piero de鈥� Medici in 1447, boasts grand Corinthian columns and a carved frieze bearing the Medici coat of arms. The upper half, added two centuries later, features exuberant curves and mischievous sculpted cherubs. Art enthusiasts should also take note of the second chapel on the left, where they will find the exquisite "Holy Trinity with Saint Jerome". Painted by Andrea del Castagno (circa 1421鈥�57), this masterpiece depicts a thin and gaunt Saint Jerome accompanied by his devoted followers, Paula and Eustochium.
Another noteworthy highlight is the organ, constructed between 1509 and 1521 by Domenico di Lorenzo da Lucca. It proudly holds the title of the oldest organ in Florence and the third oldest in all of Italy.
Tip:
Unlike many other churches in Florence, this one remains highly active. Visitors are kindly advised not to enter if Mass is being conducted.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Basilica della Santissima Annunziata (Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation) on Map
Sight Name: Basilica della Santissima Annunziata (Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Florence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Florence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Arno South Bank Walking Tour
The area south of the Arno River鈥攌nown as Oltrarno, or 鈥淏eyond the Arno鈥濃�攐ffers a quieter, more intimate side of Florence, but one that鈥檚 no less captivating. It鈥檚 here that you鈥檒l find the grand Pitti Palace, home to a painting collection rivaled only by the Uffizi Gallery, and the expansive Boboli Gardens, once the private domain of the Medici and later, the royal family. As one of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
In Galileo's Footsteps
Galileo Galilei鈥攂orn in Pisa in 1564鈥攕pent much of his life in and around Florence, where some of the most defining moments of his revolutionary career unfolded. A genius of many talents鈥攑hysicist, mathematician, astronomer, inventor鈥攈e helped usher in the scientific revolution and reshape humanity鈥檚 understanding of the universe. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, became a... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.0 Km or 5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.0 Km or 5 Miles
Florence Food Tour
Food is one of the great Florentine passions, and the great thing about having a delicious authentic Tuscan meal, a snack, delicatessen, or a quality gelato here 鈥� besides the abundant variety 鈥� is not having to spend a lot of money for it.
In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Florence Introduction Walking Tour
Florence was founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar as a settlement for his veteran soldiers. Laid out like a Roman military camp, its main roads intersected at what is now the Republic Square. Originally named Fluentia, referencing its location between two rivers, the city later adopted the name Florentia, meaning 鈥渇lowering鈥� or 鈥渇lourishing鈥�.
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Dante's Florence Walking Tour
Dante Alighieri was arguably the greatest 鈥� albeit also most controversial 鈥� of Italy's poets. After having served as one of the six priors governing Florence, his political activities 鈥� including the banishing of several rivals 鈥� led to his own banishment, upon which he wrote his masterpiece, 鈥淭he Divine Comedy鈥�, as a wanderer, seeking protection for his family in one town after... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Duomo Souvenir Shopping
It would be a pity to leave Florence without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. On this self-guided tour, we've compiled a list of shops and markets where you can find something unique to remember your Florentine visit.
Start at Central Market, which is not only a fun and colorful place to visit, but also the best place to stop for a meal.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Start at Central Market, which is not only a fun and colorful place to visit, but also the best place to stop for a meal.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 13 Pubs in Florence
Florence, the city of art and beauty has no problem in mastering the art of the nightlife as well. Local pubs are very popular and appreciated among the Florentines and the tourists. Locals and native English speakers that study or live in the city cannot wait to welcome tourists in their cozy...
Florence's Tasty Coffee Shop Guide
The caffe scene throughout Italy is an important factor of everyday life. People will pop in to their favorite bar on their way to work for a quick espresso breakfast with a pastry, they鈥檒l grab a slice of pizza for lunch or drop by for an aperitivo before dining out and take a peaceful digestivo...
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Unique Products to Buy in Florence
Compared to other Italian "grands" like Rome, Venice, or Milan, Florence is relatively less-known to an outsider for any local products, save, perhaps, Florentine mosaics and Fiorentina FC. Fortunately, there are tonnes of locally-originated things that this Italian city is rightfully...