Piazza della Santissima Annunziata: A Historical Gem in Florence

Overview

Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, located in the heart of Florence, is a captivating city square named after the iconic Santissima Annunziata Church. This beautiful pedestrian square is framed by spectacular arcades on three sides while opening up to the bustling Via dei Servi on the fourth side. The Santissima Annunziata Church, dating back to 1250, features a stunning façade designed by Caccini in 1601, with an arcade that functions as a church portico. Among the notable structures situated on the square is the Spedale degli Innocenti, which holds the distinction of being Europe's first orphanage, allowing mothers to anonymously leave their newborns. Visitors can witness the unique circular stone placement mechanism, designed by Brunelleschi in 1419, still present today. The orphanage now houses a museum showcasing artworks centered around the holy mother and child, with part of the space used by UNICEF offices. Completing the square is the Loggia dei Servi di Maria, a beautiful hotel built over a century after construction began, and a striking bronze statue of Ferdinando I de'Medici on horseback, created by Giambologna and finished by his student Pietro Tacco in 1550. Piazza della Santissima Annunziata is not just a historical site; it's an essential part of Florence's cultural landscape, drawing visitors to marvel at its architectural elegance and rich history.