SS. Annunziata

The splendid basilica-sanctuary of the SS. Annunziata is situated on the north side of the square of the same name, one of the most famous in Italy for the presence of the Foundling Hospital of the Innocents designed by Brunelleschi. The basilica, founded in 1250 by the monks of the servants of Mary, was first a small oratory and then enlarged several times as the religious order grew. A visit to the church reserves for the visitor the discovery of many works of art by important Florentine and foreign artists of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Passing through the main entrance one finds himself in a large covered hall called the "cloisters of the votive offerings" where we find important frescoes by Andrea del Sarto painted between 1509 and 1514. Of particular importance is the Birth of Mary and the Adoration of the Magi where the mature style of Andrea is clearly evident. There are also early works by Pontormo, Rosso Fiorentino and Franciabigo painted in the 1520's. These frescoes document the beginnings of the Florentine mannerist style. Then there are other frescoes of the late 1400's by Cosimo Roselli and Alessio Baldovinetti.
Inside one finds stupendous works of the renaissance and the baroque period. Oddly, mass is celebrated at the entrance as well as at the high alter because of the presence at the door of one of the most venerated reliquaries of Florence a fresco by an unknown artist of the 1300's depicting the Annunciation who left the face unfinished in order to think about it over night. When he returned he found that it had been painted as only an angel could have.
Still today Florentine brides to leave their bouquets on the altar in a sign of devotion and veneration.
On the left side of the nave one finds the elegant Feroni chapel (1692) decorated by Foggini in the baroque style. Over the altar Andrea del Castagno painted a Vision of S. Julian.
The circular choir, begun by Michelozzo and modified by Leon Battist Alberti is enclosed by nine chapels which were remodeled between the 16th and 17th c.. One of these chapels is the funeral monumental adorned by Giambologna and his assistants for himself. It is considered one of the most important architectural and sculptural works of Florence not just of the church.
On the west side of the church one can pass into the cloister of the Dead which was the ancient cemetery of the monks. Off to one side one can find the chapel of S. Luke which was, from the 16th c., the seat of the association of the Florentine artists and from the 2nd half of the 16th c. until 1784 seat of the Academy of Design.

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