Bargello Palace

The Bargello Palace, in Florence

The Bargello Palace is an imposing medieval palace of Florence, a former seat of power and prison, become a great museum of sculpture. The Florence audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this history-laden monument, which shelters masterpieces of the Renaissance.

The former palace and prison become a museum of sculpture

The Bargello Palace is one of the oldest public buildings of Florence, recognisable by its high tower and its inner courtyard surrounded by arcades. Built in the thirteenth century, it was first the seat of power, hosting the captain of the people then the podestà, the magistrate who governed the town. Later, it became the seat of the Bargello, the chief of police, and served as a prison and place of executions, which durably marked its history. In the nineteenth century, the palace was transformed into a museum. The Bargello National Museum is today one of the most important museums of sculpture in the world, which keeps absolute masterpieces of the Renaissance, including the famous David of Donatello, works by Michelangelo, Cellini, Verrocchio and the della Robbia family. A witness of Florentine power, justice and art, the Bargello Palace is a major stop of Florence.

What to see

You admire the imposing medieval palace with a high tower and an arcaded courtyard, the former seat of the podestà then a prison and place of executions, become one of the most important museums of sculpture in the world, which keeps masterpieces of the Renaissance including the David of Donatello and works by Michelangelo, Cellini, Verrocchio and della Robbia. The Bargello Palace is a major stop of Florence. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Bargello Palace lies in the heart of Florence, near the Piazza della Signoria, reachable on foot. The visit of the museum follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What does the Bargello Palace shelter in Florence?

The Bargello National Museum, one of the most important museums of sculpture in the world, which keeps masterpieces of the Renaissance including the famous David of Donatello and works by Michelangelo, Cellini, Verrocchio and della Robbia; this former palace was also the seat of power and a prison.

Where is the Bargello Palace?

In the heart of Florence, near the Piazza della Signoria, in Italy.