Description

The National Museum has its setting in one of the oldest buildings in Florence and one of the most beautiful in Italy, which was begun in 1255. The Bargello name goes back to this period: Bargello was the Head of the Guards who arrested, questioned and ordered convictions.

Built about fifty years before Palazzo Vecchio, its story is strictly linked to Florence's political happenings. With the return of the Medici in the second half of the 15th century the Bargello Palace, during the princedom of Cosimo I de' Medici, was turned into a jail.

The building's use as a National Museum began in the mid-nineteenth century, and nowadays is the setting mainly for sculpture and works of decorative arts.

While the Uffizi has a great offer in paintings, the Bargello excels in sculpture as its courtyard and interiors contain some of the Tuscan Renaissance masterpieces.

Through the ages the Palace became famous by hosting some of the most important Renaissance sculptures including the masterpieces of Donatello and Michelangelo.

The room closest to the staircase houses important works by Michelangelo, including Bacchus and Apollo. The open staircase leads to the Loggia. The first room to the right is the Donatello Room and contains many of his works such as St. George , the young St. John, the marble David and the bronze David, the first delicate nude of the Renaissance.

Donatello's bronze statue of David (circa 1440s) is notable as the first unsupported standing work in bronze cast during the Renaissance period, and the first freestanding nude male sculpture made since antiquity.

It depicts David with an enigmatic smile, posed with his foot on Goliath's head just after the giant has been killed by the young David.

There is no doubt dear tourist! Here you will experience some remarkable pieces of art you had chance to see only by leafing through the pages of your school books. Enjoy your visit!