About The Three Davids of Florence
Florence is home to three versions of Michelangelo’s David, each located in a different part of the city, showcasing the city’s deep admiration for this iconic Renaissance masterpiece.
Galleria dell’Accademia
The museum holds the original David, carved by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504. Made of marble and standing 5.17m tall, it shows the biblical hero David before his fight with Goliath. The statue is admired for its beauty, detail, and powerful symbolism of Florence’s strength and independence.
Piazza della Signoria
A full-size copy of David stands outside the Palazzo Vecchio, in the square where the original once stood. This replica was placed here in 1910 to allow people appreciate the statue in its original outdoor location, where it once represented the pride and courage of the city.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The third David is a bronze replica set in Piazzale Michelangelo, a popular viewpoint overlooking Florence. Placed there in the1800s, this version is not marble, but it is still striking and offers a great photo spot with the city in the background. It's a tribute to Michelangelo and a reminder of his lasting impact.
- The bronze David at Piazzale Michelangelo was transported uphill in 1873 using ox carts, carried in pieces to honour Michelangelo.
- Michelangelo sculpted the original David from a single block of marble that had been left unused for over 25 years, after other artists rejected it as too damaged—yet he transformed it into a masterpiece.
- David’s unusually large head and right hand were likely intentional, designed either to appear balanced when viewed from below or to highlight his intelligence and strength.






