Chiostrino dei Voti, Porticoed courtyard at Santissima Annunziata, Florence, Italy
Chiostrino dei Voti is a porticoed courtyard with sixteen arches supported by Corinthian columns. Twelve of these arches are decorated with elaborate frescoes showing religious scenes in full detail.
Michelozzo designed this courtyard space in 1447, beginning a decoration project that extended into the early 16th century. Multiple Renaissance artists added their work to the frescoes over this long period.
The frescoes tell stories of Mary and Saint Philip Benizi through works by Renaissance masters like Andrea del Sarto and Pontormo. Visitors can see how these paintings were created to honor religious figures that mattered deeply to Florence's people.
The courtyard is accessible and can be viewed while visiting the adjacent Santissima Annunziata church. Good natural light helps visitors see the fresco details clearly from various angles around the portico.
The name comes from the many ex-votos once displayed there, small offerings left by worshippers who had prayed to the Virgin for help. These votive objects are no longer visible today, but the name keeps this old Florentine custom alive in memory.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
