Piazza della Signoria in Florence: sculptures, interesting facts, photo

The famous Piazza della Signoria in Florence was once a very important object for the inhabitants of the republic. Even under the empire of Rome in its territory was located theater, where not only put the play, but raised important political topics.

Center of Freedom

Subsequently, the nobility and nobility occupied the place. On the ground, they built magnificent estates. Thus, 36 towers belonging to the Uberti family were built. Representatives of this kind called ghibelliny. They supported the emperor. But in 1260 merchants, merchants and artisans-the Guelphs, who condemned the ruler and propagandized the power of the pope, smashed all the constructions. Since then it was believed that this land is cursed and it is forbidden to build on it.

Witness the many political, social and social upheavals was the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. Photos of the place where the most important questions were being solved can be seen in the article. Later the territory became the center of the republic's government.

New old palace

One of the most important objects is the house, which currently functions as a town hall. This is the work of the Italian architect Arnolfo di Cambio. The first stones were laid in 1298. After the construction was completed, the building was occupied by the government of the communes (prior). His representatives were heads of shops and manufactories. They moved here from the building of Bargello. Therefore, the previous monastery began to call the old palace, and the part of the building where the windows face the Piazza della Signoria in Florence is new.

The first name came from the assessors. The area in front of the building was called Priory Square.

In the XV century the house was rewritten in the della Signoria. Transformation was caused by the fact that the ruling section declared itself as seniors. But this nickname lasted until 1540. Then Cosimo I, a representative of the Medici line (oligarchic clan), settled in the palace. The structure was christened Palazzo Ducale, and the site under the walls - the area of the Grand Duke. But the rich man did not like living here. Soon he moved. The structure, which was considered new, automatically became old, which is why it received the following name - Palazzo Vecchio, which is still to this day.

Greek heroes in the art of Italy

Thousands of cities and squares survived the revolution and important historical events. Not an exception, and Florence, Piazza della Signoria. Sculptures, which the whole city is proud of, set for the goal not only to exalt the fine arts, but also to create a certain associative series. The rulers, who were going to decide the fate of the republic in the Palazzo Vecchio, had to tune in to justice.

Another interesting monument of the square is the Loggia Lanzi. At first the arch was used for the receptions that the republic was conducting.

Now all the exhibits are just on the street. These are such brilliant compositions as "Hercules and the centaur", "Perseus and the head of the jellyfish", "Abduction of the Sabine women", "Menelaus with the body of Patroclus". At present they are not just sources of inspiration for contemporary artists, but immortal works of art and the pride of mankind.

Business card of Florence

The figure, which changed the idea of sculpture, was presented on September 8, 1504. The honor of showing David to the world was the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. The photo of this marble man is the most popular among all pictures of works of stone and metal. Michelangelo portrayed the hero before the battle with Goliath.

Has a statue of a real combat damage. In 1528, during the uprising, heavy objects were thrown from the windows of Vecchio. One of the benches hit David and beat his hand. For three days it was glued back.

In 1873, the statue was decided to be transferred to the Academy of Fine Arts, in order to preserve it from the harmful effects of atmospheric phenomena. In 1910, her place was taken by a copy.

Opponent of Michelangelo

The symbol of strength was "Hercules, who defeated Kakus." Over it worked Baccio Bandinelli. The demigod is located next to David, on the right side of the entrance to the palace, which separates the Piazza della Signoria from Florence. The plan of this composition is multivalued.

According to the master's idea, this is the embodiment of law and justice. The sculpture took its place in 1534.

The project brought the popularity of Baccio Bandinelli. After the author of David left the city, the primacy in art was given to him. Despite the fact that the glory of his predecessor annoyed him, the man tried to adopt the opponent's style.

His Hercules proudly raised his head, because in an equal battle he defeated the son of Hephaestus, a terrible monster.

Behind the pedestal lies a relief scraped by Michelangelo. According to legend, the creator argued with someone that he was so talented that he could depict the face of the criminal who was waiting for the execution without even looking at him.

The image of independence

One of the first statues to decorate the Piazza della Signoria in Florence (Italy) was Donatello's work "Judith with the Head of Holofernes". The legend of the plot acquired great popularity in the Renaissance. Myth says that an army attacked a peaceful village. One beautiful woman decided to help her native land. She changed into the best outfit and went to a military camp. There, under the spell of Judith, the commander-in-chief of the army was captured. The couple retired, and when the commander fell asleep, the beautiful woman killed him. Thus the village was saved. In art, a brave virgin is depicted with a severed head in her hand.

The Piazza della Signoria in Florence is intended to convey to the authorities various ideas. The heroine became a symbol of patriotism and independence. First it was intended for the Medici garden, where the fountain was adorned. But in 1495 there was a coup, the oligarchs were overthrown. Sculpture was stolen and put on the square. When the rulers again headed the republic, everything that the people took back was returned. The only thing that was not taken back is "Judith with the head of Holofernes". It became the embodiment of the people's struggle against power.

Two masters of the same project

Another pearl is the fountain of Neptune. The author is Bartolomeo Ammanati, one of the most hardworking sculptors. The birth year of the pedestal is 1570th. The composition is located in the center and visually heads the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. Interesting facts related to the statue make me smile. At the opening of the audience were unpleasantly surprised by the work of the master. Residents chanted: "Ammanati, Ammanati, how much marble has been spent."

The protagonist is the god of the oceans. He leads a chariot drawn by sea horses.

Complemented the ensemble Jambolonyi. Bizarre creatures of bronze on the edge - his works.

The fountain was daily used for domestic purposes. In 1720, the authorities hung a sign on the wall of the palace, which can still be seen today. It said that from now on everyone who will wash, throw out garbage or bathe in a fountain, must pay a fine.

Italy is famous for carnivals. Took visitors in masks and Piazza della Signoria in Florence. So, in 1830 one of the statues (throwing on top of the suit) the vandals stole. Her fate is unknown until now. For a year the city installed a copy in its place.