Orsanmichele (Italian: Orsanmichele, Or San Michele) is a church in Florence, a unique architectural structure in its form and significance. This palace served as a dual function of the city granary and the temple. Orsanmichele was built in 1337-1350. The name of the church comes from the name of the nunnery of the VIII century, which was located on this site and was called "San Michele in the Garden".
In 1240 a market appeared on this place, where grain was traded in an open loggia with pilasters, which protected from the rain. In memory of the church that was on this site, two images were installed on the walls - St. Michael and Our Lady. The latter was believed to have miraculous powers.
Exterior arcades with magnificently decorated windows appeared only in 1367.
In 1348, when the first wave of plague swept Europe, the church of Orsanmichele became rich: survivors of the plague donated 350.000 florins, exceeding the city's annual budget and allowing the church to order a large marble tabernacle.
As the grain trade was not very compatible with the excellent tabernacle of Andrea Orcagna's work, the market was moved to another location. Since then, the lower floor of Orsanmichele served exclusively religious needs, and for the first time in the history of Florence, trade gave way to art. The upper floors continued to serve as a reserve granary until the beginning of the XVI century.
In the 14th century, a new function was assigned to the building - the center of handicraft shops. In the following decades, the guild guilds donated funds to create sculptures of their patron saints and other saints, which were located in 14 niches on the four outer walls of the church.
The guild guilds were quite rich, so they had the opportunity to hire famous artists: Nanny di Banco, Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Andrea del Verrocchio.
In 1240 a market appeared on this place, where grain was traded in an open loggia with pilasters, which protected from the rain. In memory of the church that was on this site, two images were installed on the walls - St. Michael and Our Lady. The latter was believed to have miraculous powers.
Exterior arcades with magnificently decorated windows appeared only in 1367.
In 1348, when the first wave of plague swept Europe, the church of Orsanmichele became rich: survivors of the plague donated 350.000 florins, exceeding the city's annual budget and allowing the church to order a large marble tabernacle.
As the grain trade was not very compatible with the excellent tabernacle of Andrea Orcagna's work, the market was moved to another location. Since then, the lower floor of Orsanmichele served exclusively religious needs, and for the first time in the history of Florence, trade gave way to art. The upper floors continued to serve as a reserve granary until the beginning of the XVI century.
In the 14th century, a new function was assigned to the building - the center of handicraft shops. In the following decades, the guild guilds donated funds to create sculptures of their patron saints and other saints, which were located in 14 niches on the four outer walls of the church.
The guild guilds were quite rich, so they had the opportunity to hire famous artists: Nanny di Banco, Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Andrea del Verrocchio.
Translated automatically from Ukrainian. View original
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