Bargello National Museum
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What people say
Victoria White
"The imposing building which the museum resides within dates back to 1255 when a towering fortress was constructed to act as the headquarters of the Capitano del Popolo (the People’s Captain). From 1574 it then became the residence of the Bargello (the chief of police) and was used in the centuries that followed as an operating prison. The palace is one of the oldest public buildings in Florence and has witnessed many decisive moments in history including executions, fires and sieges.
During the centuries the austere barracks has seen many alterations and extensions before, by order of royal decree, it finally opened as a national museum in 1865. Today, the museum is home to the city’s most important collection of renaissance sculptures including works by Donatello, Verrocchio, Michelangelo and Cellini as well as art from the Middle Ages and examples of Gothic decorative pieces.
As you enter the historic courtyard you can still see the many coats of arms set into the walls which were left by the Podestà (the city magistrates). As well as its interesting walls, the courtyard features 16th century statues by Danti, Bandinelli, Ammannati and Giambologna which can be admired whilst appreciating the tremendous architecture. The Northeast corner allows you access to the Hall of Donatello where you can discover some of his most notable works including the famous bronze ‘David’ made in 1440.
In the opposite corner, the hall closest to the staircase includes marvellous 15th century works such as Michelangelo’s Bacchus and Apollo, which are accompanied by artworks by other famous sculptors. My favourite piece was the original base of Perseus by Cellini, which was brought here for conservation and replaced by a replica on the main monument which can be seen in Piazza della Signoria.
The upper floors unlock even more rich and remarkable collections including hundreds of weapons, textiles, enamels, paintings, jewellery and much more. Many of the artefacts have been donated from the Medici family and by private collectors such as Louis Carrand who gifted more than 2,500 paintings and works of decorative art in 1888.
On the first floor you can also uncover the Chapel of Mary Magdalene which is the room where those who had been sentenced to death said their final prayer before heading to the gallows. The walls are covered with crumbling frescoes attributed to Giotto’s workshop, with the entrance wall said to represent hell and the wall behind the altar showcasing paradise.
The museum spans three floors filled with thousands of artefacts and curiosities so allow yourself adequate time to explore and enjoy one of Florence’s most fascinating locations."
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Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"A jewel of history and architecture, the Bargello Palace (Palazzo del Bargello) was built in 1255 and is one of the most important museums in Florence, housing unmissable works by Donatello, Luca della Robbia, Verrocchio, Michelangelo and Cellini.
The Bargello building is a precious example of medieval architecture and one of the oldest in Florence, having been the seat of some of Florence's most important institutions in the past. A large number of historical events took place in this building, such as meetings of the Council of One Hundred in which Dante participated or the executions of the Pazzi Conspiracy (Congiura dei Pazzi) when it was used as a prison.
Visitors will be dazzled by the medieval atmosphere that reigns in the rooms and particularly in the inner courtyard. The Bargello has been a museum since the mid-eighteenth century and is an important example in the history of art collectors due to the precocity and preciousness of its collection. Today, its impressive rooms house some of the most important works of the Italian Renaissance.
On the first floor, you will find fourteenth-century sculptures, including Donatello's David, and masterpieces by Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Verrocchio and Luca della Robbia. On the ground floor, you will be able to admire several sixteenth-century Tuscan works by Michelangelo, Sansovino, Ammannati, Cellini and Giambologna.
The first and second floors also house priceless collections, including works of the so-called "minor arts" in ivory, ceramics, enamel, gold, bronze, glass and the rich Medici medals. The Bargello National Museum also has an imposing bell, famous for ringing only at the turn of each century."
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Batzaya Struble
"Highlights:
Visit the Palazzo del Bargello - one of the oldest buildings in Florence
Admire the famous bronze David by Donatello
Enjoy Renaissance sculptures including masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo and Cellini
Full description:
The National Museum at the Bargello is without a doubt one of the most important and well-known museums in Florence. Within, the museum exhibits a large collection of sculpture, including the famous bronze David by Donatello.
Since 1865 the Palazzo houses the National Museum, bringing together many important Renaissance sculptures, including masterpieces by Donatello, Luca della Robbia, Verrocchio, Michelangelo and Cellini. The museum was subsequently enriched with splendid collections of bronzes, majolica, waxes, furniture and textiles from the Medici collections and those of private donors.
Palazzo del Bargello is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, was once prison, police headquarters and the site of public executions. Begun in 1255, the building was the headquarters of the Capitano del Popolo and later of the Podestà and Council of Justice. In 1574, it became the living quarters for the Captain of Justice (chief of police) and was used as a prison.
Despite a series of alterations and additions which altered the original plan during the 14th and 15th centuries, the palace preserved its pleasant severity, best seen in the beautiful courtyard, the balcony and the large hall on the first floor. "
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