The Basilica of Santissima Annunziata in Florence, Italy, is one of the most revered Marian shrines in Italy. It was founded in 1250 by the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order and is considered the mother church of the order. In 1252, Fra Bartolomeo began painting an “Annunciation” but left it unfinished when he realized he could not produce a face beautiful enough for the Virgin Mary. He then fell asleep only to find the painting allegedly completed by an angel. This painting is still located inside the church and has been the object of great devotion for centuries, so much so that a special cloister was built at the front of the church to accommodate the numerous votive images (“Chiostrino dei Voti”). The current church was built in the 15 th century according to designs by the early Renaissance architects Michelozzo and Leon Battista Alberti. The façade of the church was added later in the 17 th century. Buona visita!