This beautiful basilica is located on the northeastern edge of the Piazza from which its name is derived - Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. Enter through the portico to uncover one of the most magnificent churches in Florence, which was founded in 1250 by the seven holy founders of the Servite order.

In 1252, one of the monks began painting the Annunciation, but decided to abandon his work as he didn’t feel he could produce a beautiful enough image. It is said that the Friar went to sleep one night and upon his waking he found that the fresco had been finished and believed that an angel must have completed it whilst he was sleeping. The painting was placed in the church and is still preserved in the breath-taking chapel of the Most Holy Annunciate near the entrance to the basilica. As word spread through Florence of this miracle, many people wanted to live as close to the church as possible, believing that it contained great power and spirituality. Many pilgrims also visited the church to venerate the holy painting and tended to leave wax offerings (many of them life sized models), however in 1786 they were melted down to make candles and instead many lamps and sacred objects now encompass this stunning chapel.

The baroque interior design dates back to 1644 showcasing astonishing arches, magnificent frescoes and an awe-inspiring golden ceiling design. Each of the 13 chapels contains many fine works of art reflecting the renaissance style. Make sure to look closely at the details in each chapel as there are quite a few skulls to be found here too!

The exterior design of the church was constructed in 1601 by architect Giovanni Battista Caccini to mirror Brunelleschi's façade of the nearby Hospital of Innocents.