The world-famous Signoria square in Florence was once a very important object for the inhabitants of the republic. Even under the empire of Rome, a theater was located on its territory, where they not only staged plays, but also raised important political topics.
Freedom Center
Subsequently, the place was taken by the nobility and the nobility. On land, they built magnificent estates. So, 36 towers belonging to the Uberti family were built. Representatives of this genus were called gibellins. They supported the emperor. But in 1260, merchants, merchants and artisans - Guelphs, who condemned the ruler and promoted the power of the pope, broke all the buildings. Since then, it was believed that this land is cursed and it is forbidden to build on it.
The witness of many political, social and social upheavals was Signoria Square in Florence. A photo of the place where the most important issues were resolved can be seen in the article. Later, the territory became the center of government of the republic.
New old palace
One of the most important objects is the house, which currently serves as the town hall. This is the work of the Italian architect Arnolfo di Cambio. The first stones were laid in 1298. After completion of construction, the government of the communes (prior) occupied the construction. Its representatives were the heads of workshops and manufactories. They moved here from the Bargello building. Therefore, the previous cloister began to be called the old palace, and the part of the building, where the windows face the Signoria square in Florence, is new.
From the assessors went the first name. The area in front of the building was called Priori Square.
In the 15th century, the house was rewritten for della Signoria. The transformation was caused by the fact that the ruling link declared itself lords. But such a nickname lasted until 1540. Then Cosimo I, a representative of the Medici line (oligarchic clan), settled in the palace. The structure was dubbed the Palazzo Ducale, and the site under the walls - the square of the Grand Duke. But the rich man did not like living here. He soon moved. The building, which was considered new, automatically became old, which is why it received the following name - the Palazzo Vecchio, which bears to this day.
Greek heroes in the art of Italy
Thousands of cities and squares survived revolutions and important historical events. Florence, Piazza Signoria is no exception. The sculptures, which the whole city is proud of, set as their goal not only to exalt fine art, but also to create a certain associative series. The rulers who were going to decide the fate of the republic in the Palazzo Vecchio, had to tune in to justice.
Another interesting monument of the square is Loggia Lanzi. At first, the arch was used for receptions conducted by the republic.
Now all the exhibits are just on the street. These are such ingenious compositions as Hercules and the Centaur, Perseus and the Head of the Jellyfish, Abduction of the Sabine Women, Menelaus with the Body of Patroclus. Currently, they are not just sources of inspiration for contemporary artists, but immortal works of art and the pride of mankind.
Florence Business Card
The figure, which changed the idea of sculpture, was presented on September 8, 1504. The honor of showing David to the world was in Signoria Square in Florence. The photo of this marble man is the most popular among all pictures of works of stone and metal. Michelangelo portrayed the hero before the battle with Goliath.
Has a statue of real combat damage. In 1528, during the uprising, heavy objects were thrown down from the windows of Vecchio. One of the benches hit David and repulsed his hand. For three days she was glued back.
In 1873, they decided to transfer the statue to the Academy of Fine Arts in order to save it from the harmful effects of atmospheric phenomena. In 1910, a copy took its place.
Rival Michelangelo
The symbol of power was Hercules, who defeated Kakusa. Baccio Bandinelli worked on it. The demigod is located next to David, on the right side of the entrance to the palace, which separates the Signoria square in Florence from the city. The plan of this composition is ambiguous.
As conceived by the master, this is the embodiment of law and justice. The sculpture took its place in 1534.
The project brought popularity to Baccio Bandinelli. After the author of David left the city, the championship in art was given to him. Despite the fact that the fame of his predecessor annoyed him, the man tried to adopt the style of his opponent.
His Hercules proudly raised his head, because in equal battle defeated the son of Hephaestus, a terrible monster.
Behind the pedestal is a relief scratched by Michelangelo. According to legend, the creator argued with someone that he was so talented that he could portray the face of the criminal who was waiting for the execution without even looking at him.
Image of independence
One of the first statues that adorned Signoria Square in Florence (Italy) was the work of Donatello Judith with the Head of Holofernes. The legend of the plot gained great popularity in the Renaissance. The myth says that the army attacked the peaceful village. One beauty decided to help her native land. She changed into the best outfit and went to a military camp. There, under the spell of Judith, the commander-in-chief of the army fell. The couple retired, and when the commander fell asleep, the beauty killed him. Thus, the village was saved. In art, a brave maiden is portrayed with a severed head in her hand.
Piazza della Signoria in Florence has the goal of conveying various ideas to the authorities. The heroine has become a symbol of patriotism and independence. At first it was intended for the Medici garden, where it was decorated with a fountain. But in 1495 there was a coup, the oligarchs were overthrown. The sculpture was stolen and put on the square. When the rulers again headed the republic, everything that the people took was returned. The only thing that was not taken back was Judith with the Head of Holofernes. She became the embodiment of the struggle of the people against power.
Two masters of one project
Another gem is the Neptune Fountain. The author is Bartolomeo Ammanati, one of the most hardworking sculptors. The year of birth of the pedestal is the 1570th. The composition is located in the center and visually leads the Signoria square in Florence. Interesting facts related to the statue make you smile. At the opening, the audience was unpleasantly surprised by the work of the master. Residents chanted: "Ammanati, Ammanati, how much marble has spent."
The main character is the god of the oceans. He leads a chariot drawn by sea horses.
Complemented by the ensemble of Dzhambolony. Bizarre creatures of bronze on the edge - his works.
Daily fountain was used for domestic needs. In 1720, authorities hung a sign on the wall of the palace, which can be seen today. It said that from now on everyone who will wash, throw garbage or bathe in the fountain must pay a fine.
Italy is famous for carnivals. Hosted by masks and the Signoria square in Florence. So, in 1830, one of the statues (throwing a suit over) was stolen by vandals. Her fate is still unknown. Over the year, the city installed a copy in its place.