Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele
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What people say
Victoria White
"A gothic gem in the heart of Florence, Orsanmichele is an extraordinary church and museum that showcases exquisite gothic architecture and magnificent sculptural masterpieces by some of the most iconic Florentine artists of the Renaissance.
The structure was originally built in the Middle Ages to house the city’s grain market, before being converted to a church in 1380. Decorating the exterior are many arched niches displaying various statues of patron saints. (Please note the original sculptures have been replaced by replicas for conservation purposes with the primary pieces moved to the museum gallery opposite the church).
Inside the church discover the wonderfully decorated marble tabernacle known as l’Orcagna which is an incredible example of Florentine Gothic sculpture. The piece was made in the mid-14th century to house Bernardo Daddi’s painting ‘Virgin and Child with Angels’, a piece which was created to replace Ugolino di Nerio’s “Madonna of Orsanmichele”, which was thought to have been lost in the fire of 1304. I actually found the most interesting side to view the shrine from was at the entrance where you buy your tickets, as you can see the detailed carvings and imagery much more clearly from there.
After you have enjoyed examining the beautifully frescoed columns and vaults, you can exit the church and cross over the street to access the museum where you will uncover the original statues which once decorated the sides of the building. These include works from Donatello, Andrea del Verrocchio, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Nanni di Banco, Baccio da Montelupo and Giambologna.
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Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"Orsanmichele is a rather long name for a church, with three different words that merge into a single term. First documented in 895 as the Oratory of San Michele, it was surrounded by the garden belonging to the Benedictine monastery of the same name.
It is said that in Roman times, on the site where the monumental complex stands today, a temple dedicated to Isis, the Egyptian goddess of fertility, venerated by the Greeks and Romans who believed her to be the Supreme Goddess creator of the universe, was built.
The austere exterior of the church reveals that the building is spread over three floors, a bit like an office building, and represents a fusion of simple walls in pietra serena, complicated arches and windows in Gothic style, external niches that protect various sculptures. Even if you look for it, you will not be able to find an entrance in a classical formal and majestic style.
The structure was destroyed around 1239 and around 1290 Arnolfo di Cambio was commissioned to build a market loggia; the latter, made of wood, was again heavily damaged during a fire and rebuilt in 1336 as a place to store grain for the market, commissioned by the Silk Company.
The architecture of the loggia was characterized by large arch-shaped openings for the market grain, straw and cereals; the second floor was dedicated to offices, while the third housed one of the city's grain warehouses, where supplies were stored to resist in the event of famine or siege."
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Rebecca Nardi
"La Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele è un edificio storico unico nel cuore di Firenze, noto per le sue bellissime sculture e la vista panoramica che offre dal piano superiore. Originariamente un mercato del grano, la chiesa è ora un museo d'arte sacra.
Tipo di luogo:
Chiesa e museo d'arte sacra
Prezzo del biglietto:
Ingresso alla chiesa gratuito, museo a pagamento (circa 5 euro).
Cosa si può ammirare:
• Sculture e opere d'arte: Capolavori di artisti come Donatello e Ghiberti.
• Vista sui tetti di Firenze: Una panoramica unica del centro storico.
Quando visitarlo:
L'ideale è visitarlo durante la settimana per evitare la folla, preferibilmente al mattino.
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About Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele
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