Orsanmichele, Gothic church in central Florence, Italy.
Orsanmichele is a church building in Florence featuring Gothic architecture and fourteen external niches decorated with statues. These niches house works by major artists including Donatello and Verrocchio, who depicted various religious figures.
The building began as a grain market in 1337 before transforming into a church between 1380 and 1404 under the direction of Florentine guilds. This conversion marked the shift from commercial to religious use under the control of wealthy craft organizations.
The statues on the external niches show how deeply craft and faith were intertwined in medieval times, as wealthy guilds commissioned sculptures of their patron saints in stone. This choice reflects how spiritual belief and economic power walked together through the city.
The building sits near the city center and is easily reached on foot, with interior spaces directly accessible to visitors. Opening hours vary throughout the year, so checking ahead before your visit is recommended.
Inside the building stands a marble work by Andrea Orcagna housing a painting of the Virgin, representing centuries of religious artistic practice. This interior artwork often goes unnoticed while visitors focus mainly on the external statues.
Location: Florence
Inception: 1337
Architects: Simone Talenti, Benci di Cione Dami, Neri di Fioravante
Architectural style: Gothic architecture
Address: Via Orsanmichele, 50126 Firenze
Website: http://bargellomusei.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/171/museo-di-orsanmichele
GPS coordinates: 43.77071,11.25505
Latest update: December 17, 2025 11:02
Florence displays Renaissance architecture and art at every street corner. The city features 15th-century buildings, churches with marble facades, and museums filled with old master paintings. The Arno River divides the city while Ponte Vecchio spans across. From the hills, views extend over the red...
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