Loggia dei Lanzi
Loggia dei Lanzi is a street-side sculpture gallery located in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence's historic center. It consists of wide arches open to the street, three bays deep, with columns and pilasters that frame ten statues of biblical figures.
Quick storytime
Originally designed as a covered corridor for public speeches, the Loggia was built around 1376-1382 by Benci di Cione, a pupil of Orcagna. He completed it with his brother Giovanni, who was also a sculptor. The wide arches appealed so much to the Florentines that Michelangelo proposed that they should be continued all around the Piazza della Signoria.
The elegant sculptures
The most popular attraction in Piazza della Signoria would be the famous sculptures that line Loggia dei Lanzi. These sculptures are works of art by some of the greatest Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo, Cellini, and Donatello. Some of the most notable statues include Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women, and Michelangelo's David-Apollo. There is also a replica of Michelangelo's original David statue located at the end of Via dei Calzaiuoli. The original can be found inside Palazzo Vecchio.
A popular meeting place for locals
The vivacious construction of the Loggia is in stark contrast with the severe architecture of the Palazzo Vecchio. It is effectively an open-air sculpture gallery of antique and Renaissance art and an excellent place to people watch, especially during summer evenings when events or music concerts are held in the square below.
