Museo Nazionale del Bargello

The Bargello Museum is one of the most underrated museums in Florence. Once you're tired of having your personal space invaded and viewing Renaissance paintings at the Uffizi, or fighting the crowds at the Academy - the Bargello will be a welcome respite.

The Bargello specializes in featuring nothing but sculptures from the likes of Michelangelo, Rafael, Bernini, and more. Some of the art world's most famous Renaissance statues are housed here (like Michelangelo's Baccchus) and unlike the Uffizi that is packed with people, at the Bargello you have time to get up close and personal with the sculptures and take your time admiring and taking in all the incredible details.

The entry cost in minimal (8 euro) and if you're in Florence on the first Sunday of the month entry is free. And if that wasn't good enough, be sure to download Rick Steve's free audio tour on your cellphone to use as your companion to guide you through all the rooms of the museum. It truly does enhance your visit and point out elements you would never notice on your own.

Don't miss this wonderful museum housing some of the world's most priceless sculptures the next time you're in Florence!

When you've seen 10,000 Madonna and Child paintings at the Uffizi and Accademia, a sculpture museum is a nice break. The Bargello appeals on a few different levels:

First and obviously - the art. Michelangelo's Bacchus and Brutus are here (the latter was sadly on loan during our visit), there are some Della Robbia terra-cotta masterpieces and of course there's Donatello's David. He's a fancy one.

Second, the building itself has s long and interesting history as a fortress, civic building and prison. They do a nice job of explaining the historical rooms and what they used to be.

Finally, it wasn't nuts to butts crowded (at least on our trip) like the other museums. You could really get close and admire the details on pieces.

We had heard the Bargello Museum is to sculpture as the Uffizi is to paintings - thus, another museum on our must-see list in Florence!

Arriving on a Thursday morning, with me energy-challenged from a bothersome cold, we spent a delightful hour or two walking through this museum. Adding to the experience: it is relatively uncrowded, a relative rarity here in Florence.

You enter into a magnificent courtyard, several stories tall, and filled with gorgeous statuary. We then roamed around the various rooms, starting at the upper floors, and saving the best-for-last lower floor.

The height of Renaissance sculpture is here. Donatello's David - the first male nude sculpture of the Renaissance - and many other of his wonderful statues. Also works by Michelangelo, Bandinelli and numerous others.

We used our Fireze card; I've also seen that this museum is cash only otherwise.

We were in Florence in November and didn't expect crowds. Little did we know. The main sights such as the Uffizi, Duomo, and Academy were very crowded. Probably not as much so as during the summer but still lots of people, lines, etc. On the other hand less famous venues such as the Museo Nazionale de Bargello were very sparsely populated and offered opportunities for quiet contemplation of works of art in beautiful settings. The Bargello is primarily focused on sculpture. In particular you can examine Donatello's famous statue of David with the head of Goliath without scores of gawkers disturbing you. The interior of the building itself is beautiful even without the art. The Bargello is well worth an afternoon visit. There are many nice cafes and restaurants nearby.

8 euros to get in, but even if you can't pay, you can still get a glimpse inside from the full length glass windows on the street. Interesting history of the structure (used to be a prison). I like how the art doesn't feel too crowded in (especially on the ground floor). The second floor was closed when I was there. Took off a star because they didn't have the audio guide when I was there, and I am a big fan of those!! Sculptures range in size, artist, purpose, and material. Very cool. I recommend going right when they open at 8:15. No one is there, and this is one of the earlier opening attractions.

I was really impressed with this museum. All the sculptures. Flying Mercury was awesome. Donatello and Verrocchio Davids right next to each other. You can compare the two together. Michelangelo's has a few sculptures in the hall also. Great place to spend a couple of hours.

The Bargello was one of my favorite museums in Florence. It was surprisingly interesting. "Bargello" means Castle . . . or Fortified Tower. From it's exterior it certainly is all of this . . . but after entering you'll discover a ton of incredible sculptures and artifacts dating back to the Middle Ages. The Bargello was originally built in the 1200's!!

The Bargello has an impressive and somewhat austere inner courtyard and numerous rooms each with their own character and unique appeal. I enjoyed just sitting and looking up at the impressive high walls and ceilings . . . and imagining in my mind's eye what it would have been like to have been within this Fortress back in it's historical era.

The Bargello's museum houses masterpiece sculptures by Michelangelo among it's extensive art collection. You'll also discover a fine collection of ceramics, ivory, silver, coins, textiles & tapestries, as well as some very impressive armor.

The Palazzo del Bargello may not be the most well known museum in Florence, but I would strongly recommend not missing it.

This was one of the standouts from our visit and a nice respite from the crowds. Donatello and the other quattrocento works were the highlights for me, especially the St John.

I've never been a huge fan of sculpture ... until this trip to Italy. The Bargello in Florence and The Borghese in Rome changed how I appreciate the art of shaping marble and bronze into something pleasing to the eye.

The building itself is spectacular. It was built in 1255 as a kind of "police station" and prison. There is a large inner courtyard that takes on a air of drama when the sun shines down on one of the walls. Take notice of the well in the courtyard. That is where they had hanging executions back when it was a prison.

There are three major pieces of sculpture here that any art lover will recognize. You'll find Michelangelo's "Bacchus", Donatello's "David", and Giambologna's "Mercury"... But of course, there is much more to see!

It wasn't crowded like the Accademia or the Ufizzi, and I guess that's a good thing, but it also means there are a lot of people missing out on some wonderful art!

Don't be one of them!

Amazing museum. Hidden gems inside. Impressive sculptures missing from the Uffizi gallery. Upstairs in the chapel is a Michaelangelo crusifix. Made my trip!
- bad hours and staff is rude.