Church of Orsanmichele

Orsanmichele is one of the most fascinating and historically significant buildings in Florence. Located in the heart of the city, at the intersection of Via Calzaiuoli and Via dell’Arte della Lana, this building represents a perfect example of how architecture, art, and social function can intertwine in a single space. The history of Orsanmichele begins in the 8th century with an oratory dedicated to Archangel Michael, built in a garden, from which the name “Orsanmichele” (garden of St. Michael) derives. In the 13th century, the oratory was demolished to make way for a loggia intended for the storage and market of grains, probably built under the supervision of Arnolfo di Cambio. However, a devastating fire in 1304 destroyed the original structure and the venerated image of the Madonna that was housed there. Rebuilt starting in 1337 according to a design by Simone Talenti, Neri di Fioravante, and Benci di Cione Dami, the new Orsanmichele loggia was completed in 1406. During this period, the loggia was transformed into a church by the Florentine guilds, who began decorating the external niches with statues of their patron saints. This process marked the beginning of an extraordinary sculptural cycle, involving some of the greatest artists of the time, including Lorenzo Ghiberti, Nanni di Banco, Donatello, Filippo Brunelleschi, and Andrea del Verrocchio. The external facade of Orsanmichele is a true gallery of sculptural masterpieces. Each niche housed the statue of a patron saint, commissioned by the different Arts (guilds) of Florence. Among the most famous works is Donatello’s “Saint George,” sculpted between 1416 and 1417 for the Armorers and Swordmakers’ Guild, which represents a fundamental example of Renaissance sculpture for its realism and dynamic expressiveness. Inside the church, the atmosphere is equally evocative. The main altar houses a Gothic masterpiece: the marble tabernacle created by Orcagna in 1359 to house the image of the Madonna delle Grazie, painted by Bernardo Daddi in 1347. This tabernacle is considered one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic sculpture, with its intricate decorations and skillful use of Carrara white marble. The colored stained glass windows add further splendor to the interior of Orsanmichele. Made between the 14th and 15th centuries, they depict scenes from the lives of saints and the Virgin Mary, contributing to creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality and beauty. Every detail, from the Gothic tracery to the decorated pillars, testifies to the skill and attention of the artists who worked on this extraordinary project. In 1569, Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici transformed the upper floors of Orsanmichele into an archive for contracts and wills, entrusting the adaptation of the halls to Bernardo Buontalenti. This intervention not only preserved the building but added a new dimension to its public function, integrating medieval architecture with the administrative needs of the time. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Orsanmichele underwent various restorations to preserve its structure and artworks. Among these, the restoration of the statues, many of which were moved inside to protect them from the weather, and replaced by faithful copies in the external niches. This conservation work has allowed the original link between the artworks and the architectural context to remain intact, while ensuring their protection.