Santissima Annunziata is a Renaissance-style basilica in Florence, Italy. It is the mother church of the Servite Order and is located at the northeastern side of the Piazza Santissima Annunziata near the city center. The basilica is considered one of the most important religious buildings in Florence and attracts millions of tourists each year....
The Museum Santissima Annunziata (Florence, Italy)
Santissima Annunziata is a Renaissance-style basilica in Florence, Italy. It is the mother church of the Servite Order and is located at the northeastern side of the Piazza Santissima Annunziata near the city center. The basilica is considered one of the most important religious buildings in Florence and attracts millions of tourists each year.
History
The history of Santissima Annunziata dates back to 1081 when a small oratory was built in fulfillment of a vow thanking the Virgin Mary for saving the city after the siege by Enrico IV. In the mid-1200’s, a group of seven men banded together to form the Order of Servite, dedicated to serving and honoring the Virgin Mary. When their responsibilities and numbers grew, they requested the use of the uninhabited oratory as a point of reference for their vigil outside the city gates in the hills surrounding Florence.
Artworks
Santissima Annunziata is home to many famous artworks, including:
- Resurrection by Agnolo Bronzino
- This oil on canvas painting depicts the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is considered one of Bronzino's masterpieces.
- Betrothal of the Virgin by Franciabigio
- This fresco painting depicts the betrothal of the Virgin Mary and Joseph and is considered one of Franciabigio's most famous works.
- Pietà by Baccio Bandinelli (Bartolommeo Brandini)
- This marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Jesus Christ and is considered one of Bandinelli's most famous works.
Museum
The basilica also houses a museum, The National Archaeological Museum of Florence, which is located in the Palazzo della Crocetta. The museum contains a large collection of Etruscan and Roman artifacts, as well as Greek and Egyptian antiquities.
Visiting Santissima Annunziata
Visitors to Santissima Annunziata can admire the beautiful architecture, stunning frescoes, and famous artworks. The basilica is open daily from 7:15 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Conclusion
Santissima Annunziata is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, and history. The basilica's stunning beauty, famous artworks, and rich history make it one of the most important religious buildings in Florence.
Note: For more information about ArtsDot reproduction process, please visit this link.
For more information about the artworks and artists mentioned in this article, please visit this link for Agnolo Bronzino's Resurrection, this link for Franciabigio's Betrothal of the Virgin, and this link for Baccio Bandinelli (Bartolommeo Brandini)'s Pietà.
For more information about The National Archaeological Museum of Florence, please visit this link.