Museums: The Bargello

One of the best art museums in Florence is the Bargello, a 13th century fortress. 

It houses some of Italy's greatest gothic and Renaissance art treasures--paintings, sculptures and more. 

   

We toured the Bargello and plan to visit again and again.  Here are a few photos.

Interior courtyard of the Bargello

Oceanus, or Neptune, by Giambologna, took years to sculpt.

P.S.  A large segment of Florentine Renaissance art is politically symbolic.  Many of the same figures are sculpted or painted again and again over a couple of centuries. 

• One repeated figure is Neptune, representing Florence's sea power.  While Florence is an inland city, it controlled major ports and large fleets of ships for fighting and carrying cargo.
• Another repeated figure is David.  David signifies small yet powerful Florence overcoming even the greatest enemy.  In other words,

Don't mess with Florence.