Orsan Michelle Church

In the 13th century the small oratory was ruined and a grain market was built, which ended up demolished. Later, in 1337, the construction of a new building was commissioned, the church of Orsanmichelle, which was used as a chapel by the most powerful guilds of artisans and merchants in Florence. On the ground floor are the 13th century arches that formed the market loggia, the second floor was for trades while on the third there was a municipal granary, which was maintained in case there was a time of famine or war. The exterior of the church is a façade with 14 niches, full of masterpieces including 'The Virgin and Child' and 'The Four Crowned Saints' among others.

Many historians choose Arnolfo di Cambio as the author of the design, others instead opt for a joint work of several authors. The old grain market gave way to the Church of Orsanmichele that is currently known between 1380 and 1404. The interior is divided into two naves with six square pillars, it is a vaulted space that serves as an example of interior decoration that was in Florence at the time. The statues of OrsanMichelle mean devotion and pride for Florentine merchants, which is why the originals have been removed and are, for the most part, in the OrsanMichelle museum, which is on the upper floor of the church.

It is said that the building was converted into a church due to a mysterious apparition of the Virgin, which turned the market into a pilgrimage site that led to the construction of two more floors in 1830. As it was, the market ended up being moved, the ground floor became a church, stained glass windows were built inside and on the two upper floors there is a museum.