The Bargello Museum in Florence

The Bargello Museum is one of the most important cultural sites in the city of Florence. It is located in a central area, in Via del Proconsolo, inside the Palazzo del Bargello, also known as the People’s Palace, built by Lapo Tedesco during the 13th century and later raised by Neri Fioravante. The structure, already perceived as spectacular and impressive, since 1865 is converted into the Bargello Museum, with the arrival of the first items which came from the armoury of the Medici family, the Wardrobe and from Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio. With the passage of time within its walls came together many works from the Uffizi Gallery, donations, loans from private, public institutions, which have helped to make it a point of reference in Italy for what concerns the sculpture and applied arts.

Bargello Museum to the discovery of art

The visit of the Bargello Museum begins with a beautiful arcaded courtyard on three sides and with a magnificent octagonal well in the center, from which we continue towards salt, lounges and balconies that hold works by Bartolomeo Ammannati, Giambologna, Benedetto da Majano, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Baccio Bandinelli, Benvenuto Cellini, Donatello, Agostino di Duccio, Michelozzo, Luca della Robbia, Desiderio da Settignano, and many others. On the first floor of the Bargello Museum there is the Chapel of Mary Magdalene, with frescoes attributed to Giotto’s workshop, in addition to the “Madonna and Child” by Sebastiano Mainardi and “St. Jerome Penitent” by Bartolomeo di Giovanni. The “Carrand collection” and the “Islamic collection” give completeness to the site, thanks to the presence of metals, Indian objects, pieces of jewelry, Limoges enamels, paintings, ceramics, ivories, weapons, carpets and fabrics.

Bargello Museum, a universe to explore

The Bargello Museum is one of the cultural sites absolutely not to miss during a holiday in Florence, to admire the works kept inside, but also to learn about the magnificent outer structure, including the characteristic Volognana Tower, 57 meters high, whose cellars once housed a prison. The building is located in Via del Proconsolo, just a few steps away from the lovely Piazza Santa Elisabetta and from the 4-star Hotel Brunelleschi, an ideal choice for a visit to the city. The hotel, characterized by rooms with magnificent views over the Dome, on Via de Calzaioli or Pizzetta del Giglio, is perfect to live a quiet, relaxing and luxurious stay but also to discover the secrets of the Bargello Museum, open every day from 08:15 to 13:50 (closed for visits on: Christmas Day, 1st May, 1st January, 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month and the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month).

Bargello Museum, an endless emotion with the masterpieces of Italian art