Sights of the Piazza della Signoria

    These mounted policemen looked very smart.  They were always in pairs with the horses perfectly matched.   Apparently the uniforms of Italian policemen are designed by the famous couture houses like Armani and Gucci!

    Music in the piazza in the evening.

    The Ufizi at night. This famous museum lies between the Piazza and the river.  The word 'Ufizi' means offices and that was what the bottom stories were used for, with the gallery on the top floor.  At the moment the area where the civic records were kept is being refurbished for more gallery space.  

Unfortunately you aren't allowed to take photos inside the gallery so we have no pictures from there.   It houses a pretty impressive collection, but we felt that it could be displayed to better advantage with more information.  Perhaps once they have more room...

Palazzo Vecchio

    The courtyard as you enter the Palazzo.

    There are some beautiful frescos in the courtyard including this painted ceiling.

The Sculpture Gallery

    These lions stand on either side of the entrance to the Loggia dei Lanzi.

    Michelangelo's David.  This is a copy, the original being in the Galleria dell Accademia.  This statue has been said to symbolise the republic's triumph over tyranny.  The old David and Goliath vibe.

    Hercules and Cacus by Bandinelli, sculpted in 1534.

    Judith and Holofernes by Donatello.  This statue was put in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in 1494 to symbolise the end of Medici rule.

        Perseus by Cellini.  Our favourite statue in the sculpture gallery.  The statue dates from 1554 and has quite remarkable detail.

    The rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna (1583) with the Palazzo Vecchio in the background.  This unfortunate subject seemed to be quite popular in the 16th century.  A bit of a worry this!