We begin our exploration of Michelangelo and his work by visiting the Bargello, used during the 15th century as a prison and reborn today as the National Museum of Sculpture. The museum hosts the most important collections of Renaissance and Mannerist sculpture. We explore Donatello’s masterpieces, including his Bronze David, commissioned by the Medici family, and recently restored. We will also enjoy selections of the brightly coloured, glazed terracotta works by Luca and Andrea della Robbia.
The main focus of our visit are important sculptures by Michelangelo, including his Bacchus, David-Apollo and the famous Tondo Pitti, a fine example of “non-finito.”
Our tour will then take you through medieval streets, to the nearby Franciscan church of Santa Croce, final resting place of Michelangelo and many other past distinguished Italians. Michelangelo’s tomb, designed by Giorgio Vasari, architect to the Medici family, reminds us that during his lifetime, the three major arts (sculpture, architecture and painting), were always connected.
The tour winds down in the Gallery of the Accademia, the museum housing the greatest number of works by Michelangelo. We see here his “unfinished” works, the Prisoners, made for the tomb of Pope Julius II, and the intensely moving Palestrina Pietà. Your guide then provides you with an illuminating insight into the latter period of Michelangelo’s career in Rome. Last, but not least, the world-famous David, icon of the Florentine Renaissance. Explore the statue in its full beauty as your guide tells the story of the events that led to the creation of this supreme masterpiece.
Details:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost of the tour € 180
- Admission fees: € 14 Academy
€ 4 Bargello Museum
