In Florence you can find three statues of David, but the splendid original by Michelangelo is at the Accademia Gallery, where we will be able to get up close to one of the sculptor's most famous works, to understand the artist and his technique, especially in the exciting unfinished statues of the Prisoners, where the traces left by his chisel are still clearly visible. We will then continue our visit discovering his city, from Piazza del Duomo, for which he was sculpted, through the medieval quarter to the square where the right place for him was decided, the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, with the curiosities and the story of the artist's life and his most famous work.
The David, admired by all since its birth, but also the protagonist of a troubled history, starting from the poor quality of the marble block "imperfectione del marmo", a problem already known at the end of the workmanship of the David when Michelangelo was only 26 years old. Originally the David should have been placed outside above the apse of Florence Cathedral, but it seemed a pity to have it so far from the eyes.
So, when the David was finished in 1504, a decision had to be made as to where to place the giant statue, and a special commission was formed that included Leonardo da Vinci and the now elderly Botticelli. The rivalry between Leonardo, now in his fifties, and the thirty-year-old Michelangelo was evident in those years. It is said that Leonardo said "...let it be in the loggia" as the location of the Loggia dei Lanzi, to give shelter to the statue...or to give it less prominence!
But in the end, as Michelangelo wished, his definitive location was chosen, in front of Palazzo della Signoria, becoming the hero who defends the Florentine Republic! At almost 6 tons and over 4 metres high, it was transported to the Accademia Gallery in 1873 using a wagon on rails.
It took five days to transport it, as the hot August of 1873 allowed men to work only in the cooler hours of the night and bring it to where it is still today, the symbol of Florence, is admired by the whole world together with the wonderful "Prisons" in a crescendo of emotions. Entrances are included in the tour, but when booking you can customize the tour according to your needs and interests.
Entrance fees: Accademia Gallery
Some suggestions to enrich your visit:
Uffizi Gallery - Medici Chapels - Palazzo Vecchio - Walk among the monuments - Basilica di Santa Croce
Contact me for a personalized schedule and quote. I will be happy to respond and help you in formulating the itinerary you desire.
Contact me to create a personalized itinerary together that meets your interests and needs.
