The main attractions of Florence. Sculptures in Florence: photos, description Piazza della Signoria

Wonders of Florence: the sculpture of David.

Michelangelo is an Italian architect, painter, poet and sculptor, known throughout the world for his unique creations. The most striking and recognizable work of the master was the statue of David in Florence. You will read about the history and description of this masterpiece, as well as interesting facts and other impressive works of the master in the presented article.

History of Michelangelo's statue

In the 15th century, construction work was underway on the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. During the years of completion of construction, the question arose about decorating the interior of the building. This business was carried out by a successful and enterprising guild of wool merchants. They were both the customer and the sponsor of the construction of the temple, as well as its interior design. Members of the society agreed that to give the building special beauty and sophistication, it was necessary to decorate it with 12 statues of prophets from the Old Testament.

In 1464, the sculptor Donatello and his student Agostino di Duccio created 2 statues. The guild liked the work of the masters, and they ordered another statue from them - David. For this purpose, a large piece of marble quarried in Carrara was delivered to Florence. After Donatello's death in 1466, his apprentice refused to fulfill the contract. The creation of David passed into the hands of Antonio Rossellino, however, he was unable to fulfill the order given to him.

The block, located in the open air, was nicknamed “Giant” by local residents. Due to changes in weather and temperature, the marble decreased in size, cracks and chips appeared on it. At the beginning of the 16th century, the cathedral ministers consulted with Leonardo da Vinci, who recognized the stone as suitable for creating sculpture.

The next master who was entrusted with the execution of the statue of David was 26-year-old Michelangelo Buonarroti. In August 1501, he signed the contract, and a month later began processing the shapeless marble into a masterpiece of the ideal human body. The sculptor worked alone for days on end. The block stood in the open air, so in the process of creating his creation, Michelangelo bravely endured heavy rains, winter cold, and summer heat.

In January 1504, a “display” of the finished statue of David was planned. Such Florentine masters as Andrea della Robbia, Botticelli, Giuliano and Antonio Sangallo, Perugino, Andrea Sovino and others came to the cathedral. They had to evaluate the creation of the young and ambitious Italian. After removing the fence protecting the sculpture from prying eyes, Michelangelo's ideal David appeared to the gaze of the assembled critics. All the visiting masters admired his creation, and the Signoria who was present suggested making the sculpture a symbol of the new Republican Florence.

David was placed in the Piazza della Signoria in May 1504, on the site of Donatello's statue of Judith. In 1527, the rule of Florence was again in the hands of the Medici family. As a result of the defense of one of the city's buildings, David's hand was smashed to pieces. The sculptor Vasari collected the fragments, and 16 years later (1543) restored the masterpiece at the behest of Cosimo I de' Medici.

David stood in the open air for several centuries. Due to the variability of weather, the material became unusable. In the 19th century, the sculpture underwent 2 restorations, but they were carried out extremely unsuccessfully. In 1873, David was moved to the Academy Gallery, where he occupied a specially designated place for him - a large podium. The place in Piazza della Signoria was also not left desolate. In 1910, an excellent copy of the Old Testament character was installed here.

In 2003-2004, Michelangelo's statue was cleaned of accumulated layers of dust and dirt. The work was carried out by professional restorers. Unfortunately, some guests of the Florence museum damage the majestic sculpture. In 1991, one of the visitors managed to break off several pieces of marble from the toes of David’s left foot.

Description of the statue of David

Michelangelo's sculpture of David is considered the finest work of art of the Italian Renaissance. The marble youth from the tales of the Old Testament is recognized as a perfect creation and the ideal of male beauty.

The original statue of David has a height of 5 m 17 cm. It depicts a naked young man who is preparing for the upcoming battle with Goliath. Michelangelo's statue is a kind of innovation, because... the master's predecessors created sculptures of a hero triumphing over a fallen giant. You can notice concentration and calm in David’s pose. The expression on his face suggests that the young man is not afraid of Goliath. David's muscles are tense: his left hand holds a sling thrown over his shoulder. The right hand picks up the weapon from below, and the hero holds a stone in it. The figure of David suggests that he is ready to fight a strong enemy and has prepared a deadly blow for him.

Today the original statue of David is in the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence.

1. David is a character in the Bible. According to the biblical legend, the young man defeated Goliath with a stone and a sling, although the hero’s naked body contradicts the foundations of the religious book.
2. David in Florence is almost 3 times the height of a man.
3. The young man's right hand is asymmetrical and does not fit the proportions of the rest of the body. Many experts believe that this “oversight” was made specifically to emphasize David’s nickname – a strong hand.
4. Due to the fact that the sling is in David's left hand, the hero is considered left-handed. However, the position of the sculpture's body suggests otherwise.
5. Initially, the statue of Michelangelo was planned to be placed on the dome of the cathedral. Having seen the masterpiece created by the master, they decided to place it in a more prominent place - Piazza della Signoria.
6. Before creating the famous David, Michelangelo managed to establish himself as a talented sculptor. The work “Roman Pieta” brought fame to the master. Later, the Italian created the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, and was recognized as an outstanding painter of the time.
7. The pose of David has clear similarities with sculptures of Hercules.
8. David has many copies. The most famous of them are located in Piazza della Signoria and Michelangelo in Florence, in the Albert and Victoria Museum in London, and in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow.
9. In 1857, Queen Victoria of England was given a copy of David. The queen did not like the hero's nudity, and she ordered his genitals to be covered with a fig leaf made of plaster.
10. In the 20th century, the authorities of Florence wanted to donate a cast of a sculpture of an Old Testament character to Jerusalem. The authorities of the Israeli city refused the gift, citing the fact that David was depicted as an Italian and not a Jew. According to the country's religion, Jewish men must have their foreskin circumcised.

Other works by Michelangelo

During his life, Michelangelo created many valuable works of art. In addition to David, the Roman Pieta and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the master created the following masterpieces:

Sculptures and bas-reliefs:

• Madonna at the Staircase;
• Battle of the Centaurs;
• Crucifixion;
• Saint Proclus;
• St. Peter;
• Angel;
• St. Paul;
• Bacchus (Michelangelo's first creation);
• Saint Pius I;
• St. George I;
• Venus and Cupid;
• Saint Matthew;
• Moses et al.

Painting:

• Entombment;
• Madonna Donnie;
• Madonna and Child;
• Last Judgment;
• Tityus;
• Cleopatra;
• Crucifixion of St. Peter;
• Epiphany, etc.

Architecture:

• tombstone of Giuliano Medici;
• lobby, staircase and reading room of the Laurentian Library;
• Palace of the Conservatives in Rome;
• tomb of Julius II;
• Palazzo Farnese in Rome;
• Porta Pius in Rome;
• Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, etc.

Some of the works of the Italian master were lost over time. In addition, several creations have no evidence of Michelangelo's authorship.

The famous David, whose statue is located in Florence, is recognized as an outstanding masterpiece not only by Michelangelo Buonarroti, but also by the entire Italian Renaissance. If you are in this region of Italy, be sure to visit the Academy of Fine Arts and look at the famous 5-meter sculpture with your own eyes.

Florence is one of the most popular tourist cities in Italy. Florence is known as one of the major centers of the Italian Renaissance and has an ancient history dating back to the Roman period. Florence has some of the best museums in Italy, plus you can see magnificent cathedrals and churches, stroll through historic streets and squares, and go shopping in local shops. Below we provide a list of the main and most popular historical monuments of Florence. Most of Florence's main attractions are located in the historical center of the city.

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Florence's most famous square, Piazza della Signoria, is located in the heart of the historical center of the city. The history of the square begins in the Roman period, when a theater was located on its territory. During the Middle Ages, the square became the main center of political life in the Republic of Florence. The square housed the palace of the government of the republic, known as the Palazzo Vecchio. The palace was built according to the designs of Arnolfo di Cambio between 1298 and 1310. It was in the building of the palace that the premises for those sentenced to death were located, here Cosimo de Medici was imprisoned, and here Savonarola’s last days passed. It was in the window openings of the palace that the participants in the Pazzi conspiracy, who committed attempts on the life of Lorenzo the Magnificent, were hanged. After the abolition of the Republic, the palace became the residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany from the Medici dynasty.

Piazza della Signoria is famous for its sculptural monuments; unfortunately, most of the monuments are copies. The original among the sculptures of the square is the statue of Cellini “Perseus”. Among the monuments in the square you can see "David" by Michelangelo, "Judith with the Head of Holofernes" by Donatello, as well as the Fountain of Neptune, created by Bartolomeo Ammanati on the occasion of the marriage of Duke Francesco de' Medici in 1570.

Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Florentine Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) is rightfully one of the most famous attractions of the city, which during the Renaissance was called one of the wonders of the world. The huge Gothic cathedral was designed by several architects. The original project belonged to Arnolfo di Cambio, after which the project was finalized by Filippo Brunelleschi and Giotto. Construction of the cathedral took place intermittently starting in 1296 and was completed only in 1436. The cathedral can accommodate up to 20,000 parishioners. One of the main attractions of the cathedral is the famous dome, designed by Brunelleschi and which is one of the symbols of the city. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore witnessed a number of historical events; here in 1478 an attempt was made on the lives of Lorenzo and Giuliano Medici; Savanorola read his sermons from the cathedral pulpit.

In the interior of the cathedral, the famous Uccello clock stands out, installed in 1443 and operating to this day (the uniqueness of the clock is the reverse movement of the hands). The walls of the cathedral are decorated with frescoes depicting prominent urban figures of Florence during the Middle Ages, including Dante. The tombs of Giotto and Brunelleschi are located on the territory of the cathedral.

Monuments of Florence: Baptistery of San Giovanni

The Baptistery of St. John the Baptist (Baptistery of San Giovanni) is located in Piazza del Duomo, next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's Campanile. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Florence. The baptistery building was built in the Romanesque style between 1059 and 1129. Until the 19th century, it was here that the baptism ceremony of all the infants of Florence took place, including the poet Dante Alighieri and all representatives of the Medici dynasty.

The internal vault of the building's dome is decorated with Byzantine mosaics from the 13th-14th centuries. The unique marble floor of the building contains images of the zodiac signs. On the territory of the building is the famous tomb of Antipope John XXIII, the work of Donatello and Michelozzo. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is open to the public every day from 12.00 to 19.00; on holidays and Sundays the building is open from 8:30 to 14:00.

Giotto's Campanile - architectural monument of Florence

Campanile Giotto (Giotto's Bell Tower) is located in Piazza del Duomo and is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Construction of the bell tower, designed by Giotto, began in 1334 and, after several interruptions, was completed in 1359. The height of the bell tower is 84.7 meters (according to Giotto's design, the height of the tower should have been 122 meters).

A separate part of the building consists of unique bas-reliefs of the bell tower, located on the lower tiers of the building, created in the 14th and 15th centuries by such masters as Giotto, Andrea Pisano and Luca della Robbia. In the niches of the third tier of the building there are 16 sculptural figures, many of which are works by Donatello, now replaced by copies (the originals of the statues can be seen in the Cathedral Museum). A staircase of 414 steps leads to the top of the bell tower. From the top of the bell tower there is a wonderful view of the cathedral and dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, as well as the city of Florence and its surroundings.

Ponte Vecchio

The famous Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) was built in 1345 according to the design of the architect Neri di Fioravanti. The distinctive feature of the bridge is the houses located on both sides. Above the buildings there is a superstructure called the Vasari Corridor, created specifically for Cosimo de' Medici so that the Duke could safely pass from Palazzo Pitti to Palazzo Vecchio, since there were butchers' shops on the bridge, from which an unpleasant smell emanated. In the central part of the corridor there is an observation deck, specially created for Hitler's visit. The Ponte Vecchio was Florence's first bridge over the Arno River and is Florence's only surviving medieval bridge (the others were destroyed during World War II). Ponte Vecchio is located at the narrowest point of the Arno River, near the Uffizi Gallery.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous and largest museums in Florence and Europe. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Italian Renaissance art. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited museums in Italy, with approximately 1.5 million people visiting each year. The museum is housed in a palace built by Giorgio Vasari between 1560 and 1581. The placement of the collection and the transformation of the palace into a museum began in 1575. The main part of the museum exhibition was the private collection of the Medici dynasty. The museum displays works by such outstanding Renaissance masters as Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, Giorgione, Raphael, Titian, Uccello and Fra Filippo Lippi. Among the famous exhibits of the museum are the paintings “Spring” and “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, “The Adoration of the Magi” and “The Annunciation” by Leonardo da Vinci, and “Venus of Urbino” by Titian.

In addition to the Renaissance collection, the museum has an extensive exhibition dedicated to ancient, Spanish, German, French and Flemish art. The museum is open to the public from 8.15 to 18.50 from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed days: Monday, January 1, May 1 and December 25.

Academy of Fine Arts

The Academy of Fine Arts in Florence (Accademia di belle arti di Firenze) was founded in 1561. The Academy of Fine Arts is famous for its collection of sculptures from the 13th to 16th centuries. Among the museum's exhibits you can see the original of one of the most famous statues of the world, “David” and “Prisoners” by Michelangelo, as well as “The Rape of the Sabine Women” by Giambologna. The museum presents a rich collection of Florentine painting of the 15th-16th centuries. A separate museum exhibition includes the collection of musical instruments of the Medici family.

Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace

Palazzo Pitti is the largest palace complex located in Florence. Palazzo Pitti originally served as the residence of the Medici family, and subsequently the Dukes of Lorraine and the royal family of Italy. The length of the palace facade reaches 205 meters, the height is 38 meters. The interior of the palace is luxurious with an abundance of gold stucco, tapestries, frescoes and silk wallpaper.

Today the palazzo is the largest museum in Florence. On the territory of the palace complex there are the Gallery of Modern Art, the Palatine Gallery, the Porcelain Museum, the Silver Museum, the Carriage Museum, as well as the largest Italian museum of fashion history - the Costume Gallery.

In the Palatine Gallery you can see the world's largest collection of paintings by Raphael, as well as paintings by Rubens, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Titian, and Van Dyck. The painting of the gallery halls by Pietro da Cortona is unique.

The Silver Museum houses a private collection of vases that belonged to Lorenzo the Magnificent. Here you can see Roman amphorae, Persian vases from the Sassanian era, as well as examples of vases from Venice and Byzantium. The bulk of the collection consists of jewelry made by European masters, including a miniature version of Piazza della Signoria made of gold and precious stones.

Just behind the Palazzo Pitti building on the hills is one of the most famous Italian parks of the Renaissance period - the Boboli Gardens. The Boboli Gardens were founded in the 16th century at the request of the wife of Duke Cosimo de' Medici, Eleanor of Toledo. The park project was designed by Niccolò Tribolo, Bartolomeo Ammanati and Giorgio Vasari. On the territory of the park there are sculptures by Bernardo Buontalenti, who also created designs for a special grotto separating the park and the palazzo. The park contains: an amphitheater, which served as the venue for the first opera performances; in the middle of the amphitheater there is an ancient Egyptian obelisk taken from Luxor; On the main park path you can see the Neptune Fountain.

Monuments of Florence: Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce is located in the heart of Florence and is the largest Franciscan church in Italy in the world. According to legend, Santa Croce was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Construction of the current building began in 1294 and was completed in 1442, when the basilica was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV. The building was built in the Gothic style.

The interior walls are decorated with numerous frescoes and sculptures by Giotto, Donatello, Antonio Canova and many other prominent Italian masters. The basilica houses the tombs of prominent Italian figures - Dante Alighieri, Niccolo Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Guglielmo Marconi and Enrico Fermi. In total, there are about three hundred burial places of prominent Italians on the territory of the temple. The Basilica of Santa Croce is open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 17.30 and on Sunday from 13.00 to 15.30.

The main attractions of Florence: squares

Florence is known for its historic piazzas, which are attractions and open-air museums in their own right. The most famous square of the city is Piazza della Signoria, located in the city center near the Uffizi Gallery. Piazza del Duomo is small in size and is practically occupied by the buildings of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery and Giotto's bell tower.

Republic Square is one of the largest squares in the city, where luxury hotels and expensive cafes are located, as well as a carousel for children.

Piazza Santa Croce is located near the banks of the Arno River and is one of the largest squares in Florence. Festivals, concerts and rallies are regularly held on the square. The square is surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce.

In Piazza Santo Spirito there are cafes, restaurants, as well as the Florentine food market, which is open daily from 8.00 to 14.00. On Sundays, Piazza Santo Spirito hosts a large antiques flea market.

Piazzale Michelangelo is located in the Oltrarne district. The square is located on a hill above Florence and is the best place to observe the landscape of the city and its surroundings. On the square there is a copy of the statue of Michelangelo's David. In addition, the square is a popular tourist center; here you can see many souvenir shops.

Shopping in Florence

Florence is known for some of the best shopping in Europe. In Florence you can buy leather goods, clothing, paper products and jewelry, as well as wonderful souvenirs and locally made handicrafts. Florence has a number of open markets selling food, clothing and antiques. The most famous is the market located around Piazza San Lorenzo, where you can find leather goods. Another great place is Nuovo Mercato (Porcellino) on Via Porta Rossa. The best place to buy groceries in Florence is Mercato Centrale.

When walking around Florence, it’s simply impossible not to stumble upon Piazza della Signoria! It is surrounded by the Uffizi Gallery, the Vecchio Bridge, the Palazzo Vecchio... and many other attractions. The square itself has an irregular shape - in the shape of the letter “L” - and there are restaurants along its entire perimeter.

When I was in Florence, this square became my meeting place with friends. It is enough to simply designate one of the many sculptures where you will wait for each other, and you will never get lost.

How to get there

Piazza della Signoria is located in the heart of Florence and is easily accessible on foot from its famous basilicas and attractions.

But if you are in areas farther from the center of Florence, you will have to use public transport.

From the Basilica di San Miniato or Piazzale Michelangelo you can take the bus number D. To do this, you need to go towards the promenade to the Lupo – Il Chiosco Potenza stop and go to the Ponte Vecchio stop, which is located next to the famous bridge. From there you only have to walk a couple of minutes to the square.

From the San Marco Museum you can take bus number 23 from the Piazza di San Marco stop to Tintori. Then, again, you need to walk a little to the square.

Story

Time for a change

Piazza della Signoria has been known since ancient Rome. As was customary, the Romans left open areas in the city center at the intersection of main roads. Initially, it was of a practical nature - there was a theater and artisan shops there.

Later, 36 towers were built here, in which the Uberti family lived. Its members were adherents of the emperor and belonged to the Ghibelline party. It must be said that the main opponents of the Ghibellines were the Guelphs - supporters of the trend that supported the papacy and opposed the empire. At that time, there was a fierce political struggle between them. In 1260 the Guelphs gained the upper hand. They drove the Uberti family out of the square and demolished all 36 towers in which it was located. Since then, the square began to take on the familiar shape that we see now.

Name

In total, the square had several names. Initially it was Priori Square, later – Grand Duke Square, then – Nations Square. In 1310, the Vecchio Palace was erected on the square, where the government of the Florentine Republic began to meet. Then it received its new and last name to date: Piazza della Signoria.

As soon as the seat of power appeared on the square, various sculptures were erected here to inspire members of the government.

Sculptures

On either side of the main entrance to the Vecchia Palace there are two statues: “David” and “Hercules defeating Cacus”.

"David"

The sculpture “David” by Michelangelo is a symbol of the Florentine Republic. Initially, it was installed in Piazza della Signoria. To avoid damage from exposure to precipitation, the original sculpture was moved to the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence, and a copy was left on the square.

David is depicted before the fight with Goliath. This presentation of the hero became an innovation, because previously it was customary to depict David precisely at the moment of the triumph of victory.

Of course, you want to look at the sculpture from all sides, but its all-round view in Piazza della Signoria is impossible - David is installed with his back to the wall.

"Hercules defeating Cactus"

The sculpture depicts Cacus before his death at the hands of Hercules. There are several legends dedicated to this story. The most famous one says that Cacus stole the cows of Hercules. After a long search, Hercules found his cows. Hearing their lowing from Cacus's cave, Hercules, out of anger, killed him with a club, destroyed the cave and erected an altar of Eurysian Zeus in this place.

According to legend, the statue is obscured by a stone in the wall where Michelangelo scratched a human profile. It was a portrait of a criminal who was being hanged in the square at that moment.

“Judith with the head of Holofernes”

The sculpture of Donatello's hand is installed near the main entrance to the palace. Expressive and complex in composition, the bronze Judith cuts off the head of Holofernes. The heroine is depicted in a simple robe - thereby she personifies the boundless inner feminine strength and courage given by God.

The Head of Judith is considered a perfect example of an Early Renaissance creation.

It seems to me that her detached, cruel gaze, directed straight ahead, gives her face some kind of extraordinary expression.

"Mardzocco"

The statue of a lion with a shield depicting the coat of arms of Florence is another creation of Donatello’s hands. The statue was originally created for the courtyard of the basilica, but was later moved to the Bargello Museum. An exact copy is installed in Piazza della Signoria.

The lion, a symbol of the patron saint of Florence, Evangelist Mark, also became, under the name Marzocco, a symbol of Florence itself.

Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain is located in the very center of the square. Its creator was the sculptor Bartolomeo Ammanati. The sculptural group has an octagonal shape; in the center is the figure of Neptune, made of white marble. He is surrounded by mythical sea creatures.

Ammanati took ten years to build the fountain. At that time, the still novice master Giambologna helped him in his work - it was he who created the sea inhabitants surrounding Neptune. Personally, it seems to me that the nymphs turned out unnatural and pretentious.

They tried to make Neptune's face look like the face of Cosimo de' Medici in order to emphasize that it was under this ruler that she gained access to the sea.

When I was in Florence, the fountain was only turned on in the evening. With the onset of darkness, it was also illuminated, which gave it majesty and the whole square - mystery.

Loggia Lanzi

It stands perpendicular to the Palazzo Vecchio. The Loggia was originally intended for receptions and meetings of the Florentine Republic, and is now an open-air museum housing sculptures from the collection of the Uffizi Gallery. Opera and instrumental concerts are often held at the Loggia during the summer months.

I’ll tell you in more detail about some of the sculptures located in the Loggia Lanzi.

"Perseus with the Head of Medusa"

Perhaps the most famous statue of the Loggia. It was created by Benvenuto Cellini commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici. During the creation of the sculpture, constant problems arose. At first, Cosimo wanted the head of the medusa to hang from Perseus's hand. Casting a head in this way seemed almost impossible, but the sculptor coped with the task.

Later, the customer refused to pay for Benvenuto’s work; moreover, he wanted to accuse him of embezzlement, because I couldn’t even imagine how much time and material it actually takes to make a sculpture. When Benvenuto ran out of money to implement his ideas, in order to avoid the ruler’s wrath, he threw all the metal utensils in the house into the stove, and so that the fire in the stove would not go out, the artist lit it with his furniture. As a result, Benvenuto received money for his creation, gained fame and honor. Perseus with the Head of Medusa is his most famous work!

"Menelaus with the body of Patroclus"

The history of the creation of this sculpture is not known for certain.

The remains of the marble masterpiece were found in Rome and were acquired by Cosimo de' Medici. He commissioned sculptors to “restore” the destroyed and disfigured statue.

“Hercules and the Centaur”

Giambologna's most "plastic" sculpture. The accuracy and realism of the rendering of bodies is amazing: every vein, every muscle and vertebra is visible.

Even for a second it seemed to me that living people were chained in marble.

“The Rape of the Sabine Women”

According to legend, the ancient city was inhabited only by men. They were poor, and the neighboring settlements did not want to marry their daughters to the poor Romans.

Then the Romans held a holiday and invited their neighbors - the Latins and Sabines. During the holiday, the Romans rushed at the unarmed, unsuspecting guests and kidnapped their girls and women.

"The Kidnapping of Polyxena"

The work of the sculptor Pio Fedi is based on a very romantic and beautiful mythological story about how Achilles fell in love with the daughter of Priam, against whom he fought.

In order to be with his beloved Polyxena, Achilles betrayed his compatriots and went over to the side of the enemy. But he, unarmed, was treacherously killed by Paris right before his wedding with Polyxena. After the capture of Troy, a voice from the grave of Achilles demanded his share of the spoils. Then the Greeks sacrificed Polyxena.

It is worth saying that all the sculptures located on the square or in the Loggia are copies of famous works. The only original is “Perseus with the Head of Medusa”.

Piazza della Signoria is wonderful both during the day and in the evening. Walking through the stuffy little streets of Florence, it’s always nice to go out into the square and breathe in more air. Spend a wonderful evening sitting with a glass of wine on one of the terraces, enjoying the illuminated sculptures and live music that so often sounds on summer days in Piazza della Signoria.

Piazza della Signoria (Florence, Italy) - description, history, location, reviews, photos and videos.

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Situated in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria is home to a wealth of interesting sculptures - from Michelangelo's David to Donatello's Judith and Holofernes and Cellini's Perseus with the Head of Medusa. At one time, the Holy Inquisition and prominent political figures of the republic held bonfires here in order to gain the love of the townspeople. By the latter we mean, of course, the legendary Savanarola, who, calling for the fight against luxury, lit such a fire of books, clothes, paintings and musical instruments that the devils became sick. A year later, in 1498, the Inquisition was already frolicking here, burning Savanarola himself at the stake. As you can see, the square has a rich history.

If we return to the architectural charm of Piazza della Signoria, then there is something here to please the taste of even the most reverent art lovers. The L-shaped square is a one-of-a-kind allegorical cycle of statues, intended to inspire the rulers of the Republic of Florence on their way to the Palazzo Vecchio. It seems that the square coped with its task with a “five plus” rating. To understand why, it is enough to take a closer look at the copies of the masterpieces that, in silent silence under the light of the moon, stand here for years for the amusement of the public.

For example, “David” by Michelangelo (1501-1504), whom every schoolchild today can recognize, and every Italian entrepreneur is in a hurry to sell an apron depicting David’s piquant exposed body parts to tourists. The sculpture was created during the Second Florentine Republic, when Savanarola came to power after expelling the Medici. So, Goliath, with whom David was about to fight, meant the French king Charles VIII and Pope Alexander VI Borgia, who were trying to capture Florence.

It is also worth paying attention to “Judith with the Head of Holofernes” by Donatello (1455-1460), which, by the way, was first made for the Medici Palace, but with the announcement of the Republic was moved to Piazza della Signoria. Donatello's hand in the square belongs to a couple more sculptures - this is "Marzocco" (a lion with an iris on a shield) and two stone lions near the Lanzi loggia.

To the right of the entrance to the Old Palace stands majestically “Hercules defeating Cacus” by Baccio Bandinelli.

Note the stone with a scrawled human profile behind the sculpture. According to legend, Michelangelo left it here, betting that he could carve a portrait of a scoundrel who was about to be hanged in the square, with his back turned to the stone.

It is also worth paying attention to the Neptune Fountain by Bartolomeo Ammanati, which appeared on the square on the occasion of the wedding of Francesco I de' Medici (1570). Finally, the amazing work of the Loggia Lanzi, built from 1376 to 1382 by Benci di Cione and Simone di Francesco Talenti. Intended for meetings and receptions of the Florentine Republic, today this loggia is a real open-air museum. Of course, the main local attractions are sculptures of ancient heroes, in particular “The Rape of Polyxena” by Pio Fedi, “Hercules and the Centaur” and “The Rape of the Sabine Women” by Giambologna, “Perseus with the Head of Medusa” by Cellini.

Almost all the sculptures in Piazza della Signoria are copies. The only exception is Cellini's Perseus.

Address: Piazza della Signoria

Florence is a beautiful and fleeting dream! Florence is a city that gives inspiration!

Florence– located in the heart of Tuscany. During their reign, the Medici turned the city into one of the most beautiful, artistic and intellectual cities in Italy. The Arno River crossed Ponte Vecchio- one of the most famous bridges in the World. Built in the 13th century, this 30-meter bridge withstood everything until the bombing of 1944 and the flood of 1966. Since the 16th century, only jewelers’ shops were located on it. It remains to this day one of the symbols of Florence and all its traditions. But the bridge has its own secret: the long kilometer-long Vasari corridor runs right above the shops. Here is the largest collection of self-portraits. This passage served the Medici family to get from the Palazzo Vecchio through the Uffizi Gallery to their palace Palazzo Pitti.

One of the amazing squares of Florence, Piazza della Signoria, is decorated with sculptures. Among them stand out: “ Hercules and Cacus» by Baccio Bandinelli, copy of the sculpture « David"Michelangelo, white marble fountain" Neptune"by sculptor Bartolomeo Ammanati. There is a palace on the square Palazzo Vecchio. Florence amazes with the number of museums and galleries. The most famous Uffizi Gallery. It presents world-famous works by Michelangelo, Baticheli, Raphael, Leonardo, Titian, etc. It is also worth visiting the museums and galleries at Palazzo Pitti, the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts, the Bargello National Museum and the San Marco Museum. The attractions of Florence are numerous cathedrals and churches: Cathedral Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore with a large dome, frescoed with scenes of the Last Judgment in 1579 by two artists Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, and a bell tower; Basilica Santa Croce XIII century in Gothic style; Church of San Lorenzo- burial place of the Medici family, the Medici Chapel - the work of the sculptor and architect Michelangelo.

Florence is like a beautiful woman, changeable and spontaneous, like spring, swift and free like the wind.

Florence translated from Italian means “play of colors”. Florence is a city in which the aroma of 15-16th century art and science, the aroma of the Renaissance hovers. Florence is a wonderful city of history, architecture, and painting. It was in Florence that the enchanting art of operatic music was born and it is no coincidence that one of the oldest music festivals takes place here in May!

Cathedral Square in Florence.

Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square) is the main attraction of Florence.

Here is the famous Gothic ensemble, which consists of the Cathedral itself, the Baptistery and the Bell Tower.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore S.Maria del Fiore (duomo).

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore ranks 4th in size on the planet (length 153 meters, width from 38 to 90 meters).

The Cathedral is the result of the hard work of six generations and the calling card of Florence.

The laying of the foundation of the cathedral took place in 1296 under the architect Arnolfo di Cambio in the Norman and Gothic style. The dome of the cathedral was designed by the Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi. The decoration of the facade was completed only in the 19th century (1871-1887) under the leadership of the architect Emilio de Fabris, in particular with donations from the Russian industrialist Demidov, whose coat of arms now adorns the wall near the main entrance.

The carved building made of white Carrara marble, pink Marrem and green marble from Prato is crowned by a huge terracotta-colored dome, as if absorbing the golden warmth of the setting sun. The pattern on the facade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a mirror image of the pattern of the nearby bell tower, created by Giotto in the 14th century. The pediment of the central portal is decorated with the image of the Madonna in glory. In its upper part, Sculptures of the Apostles guard the statue of the Virgin Mary and Child.

The interior decoration of the cathedral amazes and delights: the two-level dome creates the effect of the scale of the structure (1420-1436), and the huge stained glass windows of Lorenzo Ghiberti fill it with color and air.

The colorful floor of the cathedral was made of colored marble in the years 1525-1660.

The cathedral is also decorated with an unusual clock made by Uccello (1443), which counts down the time of centuries and now. Their “zest” is that the arrows move against the normal direction. From the observation deck of the cathedral dome, to which 460 steps lead, the whole of Florence opens below: tiled roofs with air conditioning on them so as not to spoil the facades of houses, cathedral domes, magnificent palace ensembles, gardens and parks, the water surface of the Arno River and its wonderful bridges.

Baptistery of San Giovanni.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni (baptistery) is the oldest building in Florence, with ancient roots dating back to 897. It bears the name of Saint John the Baptist.

The Baptistery received its modern appearance by the 13th century, retaining the octagonal shape of the structure and marble cladding made of strips of light and green marble that covered the old sandstone masonry.

The interior marble decoration with columns of the Baptistery of San Giovanni is considered by tourists as a work of art. The dome is crowned with a glazed octagonal opening. The vault of the building is decorated with magnificent mosaics by Florentine and Venetian masters - a symbol of the Renaissance.

Sights of the Baptistery of San Giovanni:

• Funerary complex consisting of the tomb of Antipope John XXIII, decorated with his statue by the sculptors Donatello and Michelozzo, the sarcophagus of Bishop Ranieri and two Roman sarcophagi;
• Altar from the 13th century. Wooden Statue of St. Magdalene by Donatello (1435-1455);
• Baptismal spring from the 14th century (new), located near the wall.

The three bronze double-leaf entrance doors deserve special attention.

The southern doors are the oldest in the Baptistery of San Giovanni. This is the work of Andrea Pisano (1330). Episodes from the life of John the Baptist are shown here.

Northern doors is the work of Lorenzo Ghiberti from 1403-1424. The 28 reliefs he created are scenes from the life of Christ.

Eastern doors- These are the famous “Gates of Heaven”, which Michelangelo admired. 10 gilded bronze blocks with three-dimensional drawings telling biblical stories, also made by Lorenzo Ghiberti (1425-1452). The panels have now been replaced with replicas. The originals are kept in the Duomo Museum.

A bronze copy of this Eastern Gate was installed in the Kazan Cathedral (northern entrance) of St. Petersburg in Russia in the early 19th century, but some of the blocks were swapped.

Giotto's bell tower is a separate structure that is part of the ensemble of the Cathedral and Baptistery. Its construction began in 1266 under the leadership of the architect Giotto in the same architectural style as the cathedral.

But he did not manage to see his “brainchild” and the architect Francesco Talenti completed the work in 1387. The height of the tower is 81 meters. Mosaic inserts are woven into the ornament of the walls made of white and green marble, and sculptures, small twisted columns and Gothic-style openings make the bell tower graceful. At the very top of the tower there is an observation deck, which is reached by 414 stone steps of a narrow, steep spiral staircase. The bell tower has several tiers where you can stop and relax.

The enchanting view of the outskirts of Florence, where the dome of the Cathedral seems to hang and soar above the city, will reward you for extreme tourism!

Piazza del Signoria.

Piazza della Signoria is another landmark of the ancient center of Florence.

Piazza della Signoria owes its name to the Palazzo della Signoria (now Palazzo Vecchio). It began to be built in 1299.

Palazzo Vecchio Palazzo Vecchio.

Palazzo Vecchio is the dominant feature of the square and the entire city of Florence.

This rectangular stone palace seems to be carved from one piece of rock and impresses with its solidity. The power of the structure is softened by thin cornices along the facade, rounded window layouts and a crenellated gallery crowning the roof of the palace. In its vaulted arches there is a whole gallery of ancient coats of arms.

Giotto's Campanilla (bell tower) soars 94 meters into the sky like an arrow and is its continuation. In 1667, the campanile tower was decorated with a round clock made by master Lederle from the Bavarian town of Augsburg, which counts down the time of eras to the present day. The pattern on the tower and belfry is repeated by the jagged cascades of the main building of the Palazzo Vecchio.

A copy of the famous statue of David by Michelangelo (1501-1504) is installed at the entrance to the palace on the left, and on the right is the statue of Hercules defeating Cacus (by Baccio Bandinelli). These sculptures are symbols of the freedom of the Florentine Republic, which existed for more than three centuries (1193-1530).

The original statue of “David” (a four-meter athlete) is located in Florence at the Academy of Fine Arts.

Two works by Donatello also adorn the Piazza della Signoria:

• Sculpture “Judith with the Head of Holofernes” (1455-1460);
• Statue of "Mardzocco" (lion with an iris on a shield and the coat of arms of Florence).

Loggia Lanzi.

Loggia Lanzi is an open-air museum of sculptures of mythological ancient heroes. 15 sculptural compositions and statues are world-famous masterpieces of architecture. In the depths of the loggia, against the wall, there are 6 antique female statues.

The central place is occupied by the sculptural composition “Hercules and the Centaur” by Giambologna (1559). The eyes of tourists are attracted by the delightful “stone engravings”: “The Rape of the Sabine Women” by Giambologna (1583), the ancient Greek sculpture “Ajax with the body of Patroclus”, “The Rape of Polyxena” by the sculptor Pio Fedi (1856).

The only original is the bronze statue of “Perseus with the Head of Medusa” by Benvenuto Cellini (1553).

The rest of the works are copies, and the originals are kept in the Bargello Palace and the Uffizi Gallery.

Designed by the architects Andrea Orcagna, Francesco Talenti and Bencio di Cione in 1376-1382, the Corner Covered Gallery with its graceful arcades on pylons and staircase steps was originally intended to host public ceremonies and meetings during the Florentine Republic. At one time, it was a guard post for the Lanzi, the lancers who guarded the entrance to the palace. Later in the 16th century, sculptures by famous Italian masters were exhibited there to please the eyes of the ruler Cosimo I de' Medici, Duke of Tuscany. Today the Covered Gallery is known as Loggia Lanzi (Loggia Orcagna) and is one of the landmarks of Florence, closing the Piazza della Signoria from the southwest. Under the openwork slope of the loggia, in trifoliums, there are medallions with relief images of the “Virtues” according to the drawings of A. Gaddi (1384-1389).

The Neptune Fountain is a decoration of Piazza della Signoria.

It was created by the architect Bartolomeo Ammanati for the wedding of Francesco I de' Medici in 1570.

The center of the sculptural group of the fountain is a figure made of white Carrara marble of the ruler of the seas, Neptune, controlling four sea horses, on which tiny droplets of water sparkle in the rays of the Tuscan sun. The parapet of the fountain is framed by mythical deities and fauns made of bronze.

The bronze equestrian statue of Duke Cosimo I de' Medici by the sculptor Giambologna (1594) gracefully fits into the ensemble of attractions in Piazza della Signoria in Florence.

Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

The Uffizi Gallery is the main repository of works of art in Florence and one of the famous art galleries on the planet.

The Uffizi Gallery is housed in the Palazzo Uffizi, a palace that stretches from the old Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria to the Arno River embankment leading to the famous Ponte Vecchio. The palace building consists of two parallel buildings, connected by another building with an arcade and a covered passage with huge stained glass windows, which overlooks the Arno River embankment.

Its construction, commissioned by the powerful Medici family, began in 1560 by the architect Giorgio Vasari and lasted 20 years. The U-shaped building harmoniously combines gray stone and white Florentine plaster in its exterior decoration. Initially, it was intended for administrative purposes in order to gather offices, craft guilds, and an archive under one roof. This is one of the famous buildings of its time.

The history of the Uffizi Palace as a museum dates back to the mid-16th century. In 1581, at the Uffizi, by order of Duke Francesco I de' Medici, the open gallery on the second floor was glazed and all valuable rarities and artistic monuments, as well as Medici family collections from Florentine palaces or obtained from old churches, were transferred here. The collection of antique statues is a pioneer of the palace. After Vasari's death in 1574, his successor Bernardo Buontalenti completed the construction of the Uffizi Gallery. Fulfilling the wishes of Francesco I de' Medici, the architect Buontalenti created a new octagonal hall, the Tribune, a repository where the main treasures of the Medici family were collected. The center of the exhibition was an ebony cabinet with an octagonal shape (similar to the hall). This "little temple" of Francesco I was inlaid with plates of gilded silver and relief images praising the duke's exploits. Light entered the room through the dome rising above the vault, creating an intriguing contrast in the play of light and shadow. After the last representative of the Medici clan, Anna Maria Ludovica, donated it to Florence in 1737, the gallery became a museum and the property of the people.

The Uffizi Gallery was declared Italy's first public museum in 1769.

The Uffizi Gallery and the Self-Portrait Gallery of the Vasari Corridor are the bright colors of music in painting (art gallery), the sonorous chords of which are ancient sculptures and monuments of applied art. The entrance to the Vasari Gallery is located between rooms 25 and 34.

The Venus de Medici is the most famous statue in the collection of sculptures housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

The basis of the museum is the private collection of the Medici house, collected over three centuries of their reign: Italian painting of the 13th-18th centuries of the Florentine and Venetian school.

The Uffizi Gallery delights with halls with antique sculptures, a collection of tapestries, a cabinet of drawings and engravings, and a gallery of self-portraits. The paintings of northern Italy, as well as French, German, Dutch and Flemish paintings, are an undeniable decoration of the halls of the Uffizi Palace.

Masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery:

• "Ognisanti Madonna" by Giotto;
• “The Annunciation” (1490), “Slander”, “Birth of Venus”, “Allegory of Power”, “Spring”, “Madonna and Child with an Angel” by Sandro Botticelli;
• “The Annunciation” (1472-1475), “Adoration of the Magi” (1481) by Leonardo da Vinci;
• Tondo "Holy Family" by Michelangelo. This composition in a circle is the only pictorial work of the sculptor outside the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican in Rome;
• "Venus of Urbino" by Titian;
• “Bacchus”, “Sleeping Cupid” by Caravaggio;
• "The Baptism of Christ" by Verrochio;
• "Madonna and the Goldfinch" by Raphael.

In 1905-1924, the Uffizi Gallery was reorganized, the consequence of which was the systematization of paintings by era, master, school and artistic movement. In 1988, the exhibition space on the first and second floors tripled, as the state archive that was previously located here received a new residence in another building. After a bomb explosion near the Gallery in 1993, repair and restoration work was carried out. The exhibition area doubled in 2006 due to the opening of additional premises and new halls, which housed works of art from the storerooms.

Today, the exhibition of the Uffizi Gallery consists of more than 2,000 works of art (another 1,700 are in storage) and occupies 45 halls with a total area of ​​135 thousand square meters. More than 1.5 million tourists visit it annually.

Vasari Corridor- a private passage for the Medici family from the Palazzo Vecchio through the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio bridge to the Pitti Palace on the opposite bank of the Arno River, ending in one of the grottoes of the Boboli Gardens.

Today is here "Gallery of self-portraits of great European artists", which contains more than 700 portraits.

The list of artists whose self-portraits are placed in the Vasari Gallery takes several pages. Among them: Durer, Rembrant, Rubens, Velazquez.

Russian names also appear in the portrait gallery: Kiprensky (1819), Repin, Ivan Aivazovsky (1874), Boris Kustodiev (1912), Victor Ivanov (1983). After restoration, the Vasari Gallery was reopened to the public on August 21, 2012.

Palazzo Pitti Palazzo Pitti.

Palazzo Pitti is a complex of museums gathered under one roof. The palace was built for the family of the Florentine merchant Pitti in the 15th century, and a century later, the Medici family bought it from their descendants. Today Palazzo Pitti is the largest museum in Florence.

Sights of Palazzo Pitti:

• Palatine Gallery – painting of the 16th-17th centuries;
• Silver Museum;
• Gallery of marble busts of ancient emperors.

The Boboli Gardens are adjacent to the Pitti Palace and are located on the slopes of Boboli Hill. They charm tourists with their fountains, sculptures and views of Florence.

The Ponte Vecchio bridge is one of 10 bridges in Florence, spanning the Arno River at its narrowest point. In chronicles, the first mention of the bridge dates back to 996.

Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) has retained its stone appearance since the 14th century and was never destroyed, even during the Second World War.

Ponte Vecchio - Golden Bridge of Florence. Since 1593, by decree of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Ferdinand I Medici, the right to trade on the bridge belongs only to jewelers.

View from the Uffizi Gallery to the PonteVecchio bridge

Ponte Vecchio is a three-arched stone bridge with an open platform in the center, which offers a wonderful view of the city, the Arno River and other bridges. Ponte Vecchio is lined with jewelry shops and small shops that look like bunches of rowan berries stuck to it on both sides. Above the buildings there is a covered gallery (the kilometer-long Vasari corridor), created by the architect George Vasari specifically to connect the two residences of the Medici family Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti Palace, located on opposite banks of the Arno River. Today the Covered Gallery of the Ponte Vecchio is the largest portrait gallery in Florence.

Like the glitter of gold, the red-orange, pink-tinged colors of the sunset are the first harbingers of twilight. For 6 centuries, every evening, jewelry shops are closed with heavy wooden shutters, so that at 10 o’clock in the morning, adapting to the leisurely rhythm of the city, they open again and dazzle tourists and residents of Florence with the sparkle of gold and silver items, watches and accessories. The prices and assortment here are great!

The Goldsmiths' Bridge in Florence is also famous for the fact that here Dante Alighieri first saw his Beatrice Portinare!

Church of Orsanmichele.

The Church of Orsanmichele (14th century) is one of the most amazing churches in Florence, unlike a temple. It has a cubic shape and is located on Via dei Calzaioli, the only pedestrian street in Florence.

In the 8th century, on these lands there was a convent with the Church of St. Michael the Archangel near the monastery garden, hence the name “San Michele in Orto” or “Orsanmichele”. In 1290, according to the design of architects Francesco Talenti and Arnolfo di Cambio, a one-story building (loggia) was built on the site of the old church destroyed in 1240, which served as a grain market. On one of the columns, in memory of the temple, an image of the Virgin Mary was installed, which had miraculous powers.

In the 14th century the building underwent numerous reconstructions:

In 1380, two more floors were added, the arches of the first floor were filled with stone, and the market was moved to another location. The third floor becomes the city granary, and the first floor is occupied by the church. The building also becomes the center of craft workshops. 14 guilds decorate the exterior of the temple with statues of patron saints of the arts, inviting the best masters of the early Renaissance to do this work.

The facade of the building fascinates with elegant window decorations in the European Gothic style, openwork stone processing, medallions with the coats of arms of the guilds and the Florentine Republic, arcades on the first floor and sculptural images of Saints made by masters in the 15th century:

• John the Baptist, Matthew and Stephen by Ghiberti;
• Mark and George by Donatello;
• Two sculptures of St. Philip by Nanni di Banco;
• St. Peter by Brunneleschi;
• St. Luke by the sculptor Giambologna (17th century);
• Sculptural group “Assurance of Thomas” by Verrocchio.

Today, copies are displayed here, and the originals can be seen in the museum, which is located inside the church.

The interior of the temple attracts the attention of tourists with frescoes of the patron saints of the guilds by Mariatto di Nardo, Lorenzo di Bicci, Franco Sacchetti and stained glass windows by Niccolo Pietro Gerini (1395-1405).

The main attractions of the Church of Orsanmichele are:

• Altar of Saint Anne with marble sculptures of the Virgin, Child and Saint Anne by Francesco de Santalo (1526);
• "Madonna and Child" by Bernardo Daddi (1347);
• Colored Marble Tebernacle “Madonna della Grazie” by Andrea Orcagna (1349-1359)

The heavy stone ceiling is balanced by large patterned windows.

The “symbol of dreams” in Florence is the “Boar” fountain.

Florence is an immense world of beauty, where every day your wishes come true!

The “symbol of dreams” in Florence is the “Boar” fountain! It flaunts next to the New Market in the city center, where there are shopping malls with leather goods and groceries right on the street. There are always a lot of tourists, musicians and artists here. Water flows in a thin stream from the mouth of a bronze sculpture of a pig. According to tradition, you need to make a cherished wish, rub the polished muzzle with your hands and put a coin under the pig’s tongue. The coin will fall out under his hooves onto the iron grate: if it slips through the narrow openings, then the wish for wealth and good luck will certainly come true. Many tourists make a wish to return here again, because in Florence they leave a piece of their soul!
The antique original of the “Boar” is made of marble and is located in the Uffizi Gallery.

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