Michelangelo's David is considered to be a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, and rightfully so. It is magnifico!
Among some first-time visitors to Florence, there tends to be a misconception that the David in Piazza della Signoria is Michelangelo’s original. At one point this was the case. The original was unveiled to the Florentine public on September 8, 1504. However, concerns about damage prompted the powers that be to move David inside, and in 1873 the statue was moved to its current location, Galleria dell'Accademia. In 1910 a replica was placed in Piazza della Signoria, which is what you see today. There’s also one in Piazzale Michelangelo.
I’d like to include just a quick backtrack here with a tidbit that I only recently found out myself, and thought you might find interesting. David was actually originally meant to be placed on the top of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Il Duomo. However, the marble statue, standing at 17 feet tall, was deemed to be too heavy.
Although the copy of David is a pretty good likeness, it does not give you the majestic moment of when you feast your eyes upon the original. I still remember vividly the moment I rounded the corner at the Accademia, and saw him for the first time. I literally stopped walking, held my breath and then just sighed. I think there may have been a tear involved as well. Intense.
If you are fortunate enough to visit Florence, be sure to put this on your itinerary. The Accademia Gallery is located on Via Ricasoli 58-60, near Piazza San Marco. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:15am - 6:50pm. If you want to skip the lines, I suggest you purchase your tickets ahead of time at Accademia. Current ticket price is 23 euros. Enjoy and Buon Weekend! Big Love, PatriciaG
