Friday, March 7, 2014

Piazza della Signoria, an Open-air Art Gallery in Florence



















This square, in front of Palazzo Vecchio, for centuries the heart of Florentine political and social life, contains real masterpieces like the stupendous fountain of Neptune by Ammannati, with the God of the Sea surrounded by nymphs,  in honour of  Tuscan naval victories. Not to be missed the reproduction of  Michelangelo's David which situated in front of  Palazzo Vecchio, symbolises  victory over tyranny. The original was in the square until 1873 and is now kept in the Accademia di Belle Arti (Via Ricasoli 66).



















Then there is the Loggia dei Lanzi (after the Lanzichenecchi who based their camp there) designed by Orcagna  which contains precious sculptures like the Rape of the Sabine by Giambologna,  Perseus by Cellini, Hercules and the centaur  also by  Giambologna, Menelaus holding the body of Patroclus, original Greek from the IV century B. C .

Florence offers a wide selection of hotels for every preferences and budgets. Find yours!

Do you want to see more fascinating places in Florence?