I have walked past this gorgoeus building many times in Florence many times without going in. I have no worthwhile excuse….anyway….I remedied this recently and went in to see Donatella’s David, among other things.
The first thing you see is the wonderful courtyard.
The Palazzo Bargello, where the museum is housed is one of the oldest public buildings in Florence. It was begun in the 13th century and originally called Palazzo Pretorio. It has been a museum since 1865.
Photographs are only allowed in the courtyard and loggia areas.
The staircase up to the loggia is stunning.
One of the crowned lions under the stairs.
A crowned person under the stairs.
Upstairs in the loggia are many beautiful sculptures.
There is a collection of bronze animals made in 1564 for the grotto of the Medici Villa at Castello.
Having said there were no photos allowed inside, I didn’t find that out until I had taken a few and was asked to put my camera away. Here are the ones I got.
That’s all I have for you. You will have to visit the Bargello yourself to see Michelangelo’s works, the gorgeous Giovanni della Robbia room, the Donatello Hall with the famous bronze of David and all the other things they wouldn’t let me photograph.
Just as you said, Debra, the Bargello houses a magnificent collection of works and the building is one of Florence’s finest. Hard to believe that it was really the city’s Police Department (Middle Age’s version) and a prison…. actually, I always get an eery feeling whenever I visit it, as quite a few executions took place in its yard….
By: mulino dominillo on April 7, 2012
at 6:25 pm
I am pleased they have stopped the executions in the courtyard….most unpleasant.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 8, 2012
at 8:02 am
What a beautiful place 🙂
By: andy1076 on April 7, 2012
at 7:11 pm
It is a beautiful museum, full of fascinating things.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 8, 2012
at 8:02 am
Certainly is from your photography 🙂
By: andy1076 on April 8, 2012
at 11:33 pm
I wish I could have taken more photos inside. It is worth going for the Della Robbia room alone.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 9, 2012
at 9:49 am
Maybe another trip? 😉
By: andy1076 on April 9, 2012
at 11:54 am
Would love one day to vist the Bargello. Sorry I didn’t know of its existance but obviously one of the many best kept secrets in the beautiful city of Florence. Fabulous photos Deb.
By: dianne Cant on April 7, 2012
at 8:28 pm
We will get there together one day.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 8, 2012
at 8:01 am
So glad that you got to sneak a few pictures for us!
By: paninigirl on April 7, 2012
at 10:25 pm
I can understand them not wanting flash photography, but I don’t understand NO PHOTOS. Do they want to sell the book?
By: Debra Kolkka on April 8, 2012
at 8:01 am
You have certainly whetted my appetite for the rest of the Museum. It is wonderful. Thank you.
By: lizgolding on April 7, 2012
at 10:32 pm
There was too much there for just one visit. We should go together.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 8, 2012
at 8:00 am
Gosh, what a lovely place–especially those stairs. Wow.
Hugs,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on April 7, 2012
at 11:15 pm
It is a gorgeous museum. I’ll be back there often.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 8, 2012
at 7:59 am
All of the the different sculptures and materials make for such an interesting photo gallery Debra!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on April 8, 2012
at 3:42 am
There is a never ending supply of gorgeous things to see in Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 8, 2012
at 7:57 am
I adore the Bargello Debra. This is a wonderful Easter egg! My only one so far too…. I could not wait to see Donatello’s David when I first got to Firenze and remember standing open-mouthed. It’s not a huge sculpture as you know but you know how it is when you see the works you studied in school – in distant Australia no less – right there in front of you… I love painted wooden sculpture too so brava for getting in before the official telling off. I hope they were nice about it. Have a lovely Italian Easter. Buona Pasqua!
By: janinevasta on April 8, 2012
at 5:56 am
To stand in front of these incredible works is wonderful. This David is just gorgeous. I will be a regular visitor.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 8, 2012
at 7:57 am
The Bargello is great, not only for the works but for the architecture itself – my favourite kind of museum.
By: Shelagh on April 8, 2012
at 6:48 pm
The building is gorgeous. I love the courtyard….I try not to think of the executions that took place there.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 9, 2012
at 9:48 am
ONE OF MY FAVORITES DEBRA. SIMPLY UNDESCRIBABLE. magnificent.
By: george miori on April 9, 2012
at 1:58 am
There are some amazing things to see in the museum.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 9, 2012
at 9:50 am
What an incredible opportunity to see all those amazing works of art that are centuries old. I studied all of that art while I was at school but have never seen the real works, only photographs. Shame! Must get myself to Florence. I would love to spend a day there.
By: hotlyspiced on April 9, 2012
at 9:23 pm
Debra, you see the magnificence and details that others miss, and then you’re kind enough to share them with all of us. Bless you for that! xx
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on April 10, 2012
at 12:18 am
It is always the details I love the most.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 10, 2012
at 4:55 am
Thankyou for sharing your photos. i love the bronze animals and the shot of Poseiden (?) protectively cupping his privates as you look up at him, as usual you make me want to pack and go touring. i get a lot of pleasure from seeing through your camera’s eye with you
By: Joanna on April 10, 2012
at 7:39 am
I will email you another photo of Giambologna’s Oceano, which I’m sure you will enjoy.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 10, 2012
at 3:42 pm
I didn’t make it there on my recent trip to Florence, but I’ll never forget going years ago and seeing Michelangelo’s Bacchus!
By: Julie on April 11, 2012
at 11:13 pm
It is a beautiful museum. I should have been there years ago. I will be a regular from now on.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 12, 2012
at 4:18 am
Do you know the explanation/s on why the angels look so child-like yet so muscular? Hehe
By: rommel on April 14, 2012
at 10:29 am
[…] the little fisherman in the Bargello Museum. Click here for more on the […]
By: A day in Florence | Bella Bagni di Lucca on August 16, 2012
at 11:24 pm
During my week in Florence, I visited this museum and loved it!!! Well worth a visit there.
By: Sandra Hoopmann on May 23, 2018
at 10:36 am