Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele (Church and Museum of Orsanmichele), Florence

Originally an 8th-century oratory, this multipurpose structure underwent transformations throughout history. In 1290, it was converted into an open-air loggia for grain sales, but a fire in 1304 led to its reconstruction as a loggia-market. Between 1367 and 1380, the open arcades were replaced with windows, and though bricked in today, the original Gothic tracery is still visible.

The interior of the structure consists of two parallel naves. On the right side, visitors can admire an extraordinary 14th-century Gothic altar crafted by Andrea Orcagna (1308–68). Adorned with cherubs, intricate carved reliefs, and embellished with colored marble and glass, it is a true masterpiece. Inside rests Bernardo Daddi's "Virgin and Child" (1348), framed with beautifully carved angels.

The outer walls are adorned with niches that showcase the real highlights of the structure. Each niche holds a statue representing the patron saint of one of Florence's major guilds, known as Arti. Among the fourteen saints displayed are Madonna of the Rose, Quattro Santi Coronati, St. Mark, St. Philip, Christ and St. Thomas, St. Eligius, St. James, St. Peter, St. John the Baptist, St. George, St. Matthew, St. Stephen, St. John the Evangelist, and St. Luke.

Of particular note is the sculpture of "Doubting Thomas" (circa 1470). In this composition, Christ, like the other figures in the building, is entirely framed within the niche, while St. Thomas stands on the ledge with his right foot outside the niche frame. This small detail, the positioning of a single foot, brings the entire composition to life. The original sculptures can be observed at the adjacent museum, which is open on Mondays.