Accademia Gallery

travel wonder in Florence, Italy

Why the
Accademia Gallery
in Florence is special

It houses outstanding Florentine artworks from the 13th to 16th centuries. This includes the statue of David by Michelangelo, the most admired sculpture in the world. It has the rare ability to awe both art experts and loathers. Most visitors come to the Accademia Gallery primarily to view it.

Interesting

insights about

Michelangelo's David

Completion date

It was finished almost exactly 500 years ago (1504) when long-lived Michelangelo was still in his 20s.

Marble

David was carved from a single mammoth-sized block of marble that other artists rejected. They knew the interior was riddled with imperfections, including hidden shatter-prone veins and pockets. Michelangelo took the challenge and succeeded, magnificently.

Height

It stands a tad over 5 meters (17 feet) high.

Two homes

It stood outdoors for nearly four centuries in the Piazza della Signoria - and, as a result, airborne corrosive pollutants caused obvious damage. In 1873, mainly for conservation's sake, it was moved indoors to the Accademia Gallery. A relatively crude copy replaced it in the piazza.

Accademia Gallery

ticket tip

Book ahead

Avoid the multi-hour long entrance line by booking a ticket reservation ahead of time (which you can do in Florence or on the Internet). Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Italy

My Italian

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

Italian cuisine guide

Vatican City

Note: Its wonders are not listed in my Italy Guide. Even though the Vatican lies within Rome, it is not part of it or Italy. It's an independent nation. Click to see its gold, silver and bronze medals,

I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that 

my Accademia Gallery page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications