Top 5 Statues in Piazza della Signoria

Only 5! That is a tough task indeed! In no particular order, my favourite statues from the spectacular Piazza della Signoria in Florence are ...

The Fountain of Neptune


This work commissioned by the Medici family was completed by Bartolomeo Ammannati in 1565. The Neptune figure resembles the great patriarch of the family, Cosimo I. Several other images are carved into the pedestal and further bronze figures were added around the fountain.


David


This masterpiece is the most famous work of Michelangelo. The original marble work was displayed outside the Palazzo Vecchio in 1504. The biblical David soon became a symbol of the Florentine’s civil liberties. The statue was positioned so that David stares defiantly towards Rome. The original is still located in Florence, within the Accademia Gallery, and many more copies can be viewed all over the world.


Perseus


One of my favourite Greek mythological tales! This bronze statue shows Perseus holding the Medusa’s severed head. The body lying at his feet. This work was done by Cellini in 1554.


Judith and Holofernes


Donatello’s bronze sculpture depicting the biblical story of Judith slaying the wicked General Holofernes. The original can be seen inside the Palazzo Vecchio.


The Rape of the Sabine Women


This work depicts the abduction of Sabine Women by the Romans. This dynamic masterpiece was created by Giambologna in 1554 and is displayed in the Loggia, opposite the Palazzo Vecchio.

Duomo of Florence

The cathedral of Florence stands in the Piazza del Duomo. Its impressive Dome towers above the skyline. The cathedral is free to enter but in keeping with many attraction in the city, you need to pay to access the more popular areas.


The Duomo.

The famous dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi and is the largest stone built dome in the world. It is no less impressive from the inside. It is decorated with a huge fresco depicting the last Judgement. This was commissioned by the leading family of the Florentine Dynasty, the De’Medici’s.


Looking up at the Dome.

As well as admiring the sheer size of the church, and the light that comes through the many stained glass windows, visitors can go below to visit the crypt for a small charge. However, many of the tourists prefer to queue up and pay to visit the tower.


Giotto's Campanile.

Piazzale Michelangiolo

This is a magnificent place to view the beautiful city of Florence. Piazzale Michelangiolo is situated on the top of a hill on the South side of the Arno river. Visitors flock here for the panoramic views of the countryside and of course the city.

The square was created by Giuseppe Poggi in order to celebrate the works of the renowkned local artist, Michelangelo. The centre of the Square is the home to a copy of Michelangelo’s greatest work, David. The bronze statue stands on a pedestal surrounded by other figures that depict day, night, twilight and dawn.


Michelangelo's David.

From the edge of the square you are treated with fantastic views of the Ponte Vecchio, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo. You can also see the remains of a medieval wall and various villas on the hill side.


Fantastic view.

By the side of the road is a restaurant and cafe bar. It is well worth visiting the little kiosk for your morning coffee and croissant. Two Euros for breakfast with a view. Fantastic value!


View of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo.

Cabiria, Piazza Santo Spirito

After crossing the Ponte Vecchio we decided to look for a bar to enjoy an aperitif before dinner. We figured that it might be cheaper on the other side of the river. We were soon in for a rude awakening.

You don’t see many people enjoying a beer in Florence. Most cafe bars have terraces on the front where people huddle up close to the patio heater to keep warm. Many people are enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine. Not many seem to enjoy an evening pint. And now I know why. Mamma mia que caro!

We found a nice looking bar on Piazza Santo Spirito called “Cabiria”. The outside terrace was busy despite the cold evening night. Inside is vibrant and the DJ had the music a tad too high for the early evening. The decorhas a movie theme. Many old photos displayed on the walls, including what looks like the famous lizard monster we have seen a lot of in the “ranking” list on “Striscia la Notizia”, a popular show in Italy.


Inside Cabiria.

We ordered two glasses of beer and we shocked to discover the cost. 5 Euros for a glass of beer! No wonder Italy doesn’t have a binge drinking culture. Shell Shocked, we retreated to the terrace to saviour our expensive brew. I think we will stick to wine in future.


How Much!

Florence in the rain

It had rained all day. We checked into our hotel which was situated on the limits of the city where tourists are allowed to drive. It was only a 10 minute walk to the centre, but in the rain and darkening skies. Still, nothing was going to stop me enjoying the sights of the city for the first time.

We braved the rain soaked streets and arrived at the Piazza di Santa Croce. At one end the impressive exterior of the church of the same name. A few things would become apparent during our stay in Florence. All the buildings are a delight to see. All the attractions would be expensive to visit. 6 Euros to enter a church? No thanks!


Santa Croce Church.


Piazza di Santa Croce.

We crossed the uneven Piazza cursing as the odd misplaced foot went into a puddle. It isn’t possible to watch where you put your feet in Florence. There is too much to see! All thoughts of the rain, cold and wet feet soon vanished as we arrived at the Piazza della Signoria. The most beautiful square I have ever seen in my life!


My first view of the Piazza della Signoria.

The square is dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio, which doubles as a Museum and the Town Hall. In front of the palace is the Neptune Fountain. An amazing work of art. Sculptures stand in a line outside the palace. Under the cover of the Loggia are dozens more. It is an incredible sight. I always thought that Florence would be the highlight of our trip. The city I wanted to see most. I wasn’t disappointed.


Palazzo Vecchio.


Ponte Vecchio.

Festa della Salute

Another new festival for me to witness in Venice, the Festa della Salute. This is celebrated on the 21st November, but the crowds begin to gather the day before. Lucky for us as we were leaving for Florence on the 21st!


View of the Church from Giudecca.

The Festa della Salute is similar to the Festa della Redentore held in Giudecca in July. Both festivals celebrate the end of the deadly plague that gripped Venice in the late 16th century. Also, a temporary bridge is built for each occasion. This time, a bridge is built over the Grand Canal.


View of Santa Maria della Salute from the temporary bridge.

Although the Festival is dominated by religious ceremonies in the church dedicated to the day, there is a party atmosphere outside. Many stalls line the routes near to the church selling sweets, cakes and other delicacies. You cannot move for kids who clutch on to a dazzling array of helium balloons, much to the delight of the vendors who you see with ear to ear smiles.


Carnival spirit in the streets.

The church of Santa Maria della Salute stands on the tip of the Dorsoduro sestiere at the end of the Grand Canal. Its prominent position makes it one of the most photographed churches in Venice, popular shots taken from the Academia bridge and from St Marks square.


Inside the church.

Inside the church is a mass of people. The flashes of photos being snapped by tourists of every angle of the church (at least turn off your flash FFS!) whilst the locals attempt to get closer to the altar. The altar is an impressive sculpture that depicts Venice kneeling before the Madonna and child, as the plague (in the form of an old hag) is chased away from the city. It also includes the famous “dark” byzantine icon of the Madonna and Child.


The altar.

After listening to the service it is the chance to get behind the altar and see the treasures held there. Apparently it is one of the very few times you are allowed to visit this area of the church. Here you can see works of art from Titian and my favourite Tintoretto. You are not allowed to take photos of these works (although it didn’t seem to stop a few people) so I had to be content with a postcard of the “Marriage at Cana”. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Venice in late November, do not miss your chance to see this in person.

Treviso

A Day trip to Treviso.


Piazza dei Signori


Our tour guide, Honey.


Honey, Giuly and Monica.


Honey on the Lion outside the Duomo.

Acqua Alta!

If you are thinking of visiting Venice in Winter you need to remember to pack your wellies. Acqua Alta!


On the fondamenta, Giudecca.


Naviagting the streets during Acqua Alta.

The Guggenheim Collection

A special offer was on for all the Venetians. Free entry into the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the former home of Peggy Guggenheim and now a museum that shows her personal collection. A chance for me to explore modern art and see if I can fathom it!


The Peggy Guggenheim Museum.

Amongst the collection are a few paintings from Picasso. Having visited the Picasso museum in Malaga I must confess to not understanding what all the fuss is about. But then I’m ignorant in all things arty but I’m willing to learn! “On the Beach” is a strange work! One painting that really stood out for me was “Materia” by Umberto Boccioni.


Materia (1912) Oil on canvas.



Sculpture at the Grand Canal side.


Scary sculpture in the gardens.


Outside in the Garden.

Venice

St Marks is always a special place, regardless of the season, or the time of day. In winter it is less crowded. Bloody freezing but worth it to see scenes such as this.


St Marks Square at night.

Ponte dei Pugni

One of my favourite bridges in Venice. It doesn't look much but it is steeped in history. This is the scene of many a punch up between rival gangs of the city. Four footprints on the bridge indicate the corners used by the boxers. The idea was that each side were represented by their two champions. Each taking a corner and then it was a free for all punch up. The watching crowd normally getting sucked into the action.

Spritz.

The famous apertif of Veneto taken in a cracking little bar somewhere near Rialto. Have a wander down one of the side streets and you might find it!

The View from Academia bridge.