Orsanmichele

Standing between the cathedral and the town hall, this unusual building began as a grain market and was later turned into a church while its upper floors continued as granaries. The exterior niches were assigned to the city guilds, which commissioned statues from Donatello, Ghiberti and Verrocchio, making the facades an outdoor survey of Renaissance sculpture. Inside, an elaborate carved tabernacle by Andrea Orcagna frames a venerated painted image. The upper halls, reached by a bridge from a neighbouring building, host changing displays.