The Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata

Piazza Santissima Annunziata is home to both the basilica of the same name and one of the ancient hospitals called “Degli Innocenti” (of the Innocents) because children who could not be raised by their parents for various reasons were abandoned here. In this article, we will talk about the splendid basilica that has been one of the landmarks of the city’s religious life for centuries. The structure is deeply connected to the cult of the Virgin Mary and still houses the Order of the Servants of Mary.

As early as the first Millennium, there was an oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary here, which was enlarged in the 13th century at the behest of the Confraternity of the Servants of Mary. It was decided to build a basilica on that spot in honor of the Blessed Annunciation. It is no coincidence that the street leading to the square is still called “Via dei Servi”, “Street of the Servants”, in honor of its founders.

A tradition from the past becomes a celebration:

From the very beginning, all those devoted to the cult of the Virgin Mary considered the basilica a true sanctuary. Among them were many farmers.

It should be noted that in ancient times, agricultural tradition held that Mary’s birth on September 8th coincided with the end of summer and the harvest. In fact, on the night of September 7th each year, many farmers would come from the countryside to the basilica, lighting their way with torches, to sleep in the square and receive confession the next morning.

This tradition gave rise to the ‘Rificolona’, a festival that is still celebrated by the Florentines on the night between September 7th and 8th, which instead of burning torches involves extraordinary papier-mâché creations, which can represent anything, illuminated from within by a candle. There is also a competition to decide which is the most beautiful.

The miraculous image:

La cappella della Santissima Annunziata e l'affresco miracoloso

The chapel also houses the altar and the miraculous fresco.
A curious story tells of how the fresco dedicated to the Annunciation (from which the name Santissima Annunziata derives) came about. It is said that the first seven founders of the basilica commissioned the most important fresco from a painter named “Bartolomeo.”

The latter, well aware of the importance of the commissioned work, tried in every way to make the face of the Madonna divine, but he could not paint anything that satisfied him. So he felt asleep, exhausted and frustrated. When he awoke, the face of the Madonna was finished and perfect.

Legend says that it was completed by an angel while the painter slept. Because of its heavenly nature, this fresco has been venerated by many pilgrims over the centuries and is still one of the main attractions today. In fact, it was restored in 2020, so it now displays all its original colors.

Thanksgiving and votive offerings:

In addition to confessing, pilgrims wanted to ask for favors or thank the Madonna for something they had received in exchange for their prayers. This was done by leaving a “Voto” or“vow,” or offering a gift, more or less valuable, which could range from a wax statue to a fresco. This became a very common practice during the Renaissance, so much so that it was necessary to build the “Chiostrino dei Voti,” or a courtyard with a portico inside the basilica, which initially housed all these gifts. The space was frescoed by prominent figures such as Andrea del Sarto, Pontormo, and Rosso Fiorentino. Each of these artists frescoed the lunettes of this cloister, collaborating on the creation and description of the life stories of two figures fundamental to the basilica: St. Philip Benizi (one of the seven founders of the basilica) and the Virgin Mary. The various works are numbered from left to right to help understand the chronology of the two figures’ biographies. Even today, you can learn about their lives by following the various scenes.

The ex-votos have been partially moved inside the basilica in its oldest part: the chapel. The collection found here is unique and very extensive. How many graces must have been granted and requested within these walls!

Devozione dei fiorentini a San Filippo, Andrea del Sarto 1510

Cristo in pietà sorretto da Nicodemo, Baccio e Clemente Bandinelli

Cappella affrescata Santissima Annunziata

All'interno della Basilica Santissima Annunziata

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