The famous square of the Signoria inFlorence in its time was a very important object for the residents of the republic. Even under the empire of Rome in its territory was located theater, where not only put the play, but raised important political topics.
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Впоследствии место заняли дворянство и знать.On the ground they built magnificent estates. So, it was built 36 towers belonging to the Uberti family. Representatives of this kind were called Ghibellines. 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.
New old palace
One of the most important objects is considered a house thatcurrently performs the function of the town hall. This is the work of the Italian architect Arnolfo di Cambio. The first stones laid in 1298. After the construction was completed, the building was occupied by the commune government (prior). Its representatives were the heads of workshops and manufactories. They moved here from the Bargello building. Therefore, the previous monastery began to be called the old palace, and the part of the building where the windows overlook the Piazza della Signoria in Florence is new.
From the assessors went first name. The territory in front of the building was called Priory Square.
In the 15th century, the house was rewritten to della Signoria.The transformation was caused by the fact that the governing body declared itself to be lords. But such a nickname existed until 1540. Then Cosimo I, a representative of the Medici lineage (oligarchic clan), settled in the palace. The building was christened the Palazzo Ducale, and the area under the walls - the area of the Grand Duke. But the rich man did not like living here. Soon he moved. The building, which was considered new, automatically became old, which is why it received the following name - Palazzo Vecchio, which wears today.
Greek heroes in the art of Italy
Thousands of cities and squares survived the revolution andimportant historical events. No exception and Florence, Piazza Signoria. Sculptures, which the whole city is proud of, set themselves the goal not only to glorify the visual arts, but also to create a certain associative array. The rulers who went to decide the fate of the republic in the Palazzo Vecchio, had to tune in to justice.
Now all the exhibits are just on the street.These are such genius compositions as “Hercules and the Centaur”, “Perseus and the Head of the Jellyfish”, “Abduction of the Sabine Women”, “Menelaus with the Body of Patroclus”. Nowadays, they are not just sources of inspiration for contemporary artists, but immortal works of art and the pride of humanity.
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The figure that changed the idea ofsculpture was presented on September 8, 1504. Honor to show David to the world had the Signoria square in Florence. The photo of this marble man is the most popular among all pictures of stone and metal works. Michelangelo portrayed the hero before the battle with Goliath.
The statue has a 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 beat off his hand. For three days she was stuck back.
In 1873, the statue decided to move to the Academy of Fine Arts, 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, the victor of Cacus."He worked on Baccio Bandinelli. 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 significant.
The project brought the popularity of Baccio Bandinelli.After the author of David left the city, art was given to him in the first place. Despite the fact that his predecessor's fame annoyed him, the man tried to adopt his opponent’s style.
His Hercules proudly raised his head, because in an equal battle he defeated the son of Hephaestus, a terrible monster.
Behind the pedestal is a relief,scratched by Michelangelo. According to legend, the creator with someone argued that he was so talented that he could portray the face of a criminal who was waiting for execution, without even looking at him.
Image of independence
One of the first statues to decorate the areaSignoria in Florence (Italy), Donatello’s work “Judith with the Head of Holofernes” became. The legend of the plot has become very popular in the Renaissance. The myth says that an army attacked a peaceful village. One beautiful woman decided to help her native land. She dressed in 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 beautiful killed him. Thus the settlement was saved. In art, the brave maiden is depicted with a severed head in her hand.
Piazza della Signoria in Florence has a goal to bringto power all sorts of ideas. The heroine has become a symbol of patriotism and independence. At first it was intended for the Medici garden, where the fountain was decorated. But in 1495 there was a coup, the oligarchs were overthrown. The sculpture was stolen and placed 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.” It became the embodiment of the people's struggle against power.
Two masters of one project
Another gem is the fountain of Neptune.The author is Bartolomeo Ammanati, one of the most hardworking sculptors. Year of birth of the pedestal - 1570 minutes. The composition is located in the center and visually heads the Signoria square in Florence. Interesting facts about the statue make you smile. At the opening of the audience were unpleasantly surprised by the work of the master. Residents chanted: "Ammanati, Ammanati, how much marble spent."
The main character is the god of the oceans. He directs the chariot drawn by sea horses.
Completed ensemble Dzhamboloni. Bizarre creatures of bronze on the edge - his works.
Daily fountain used for domestic needs.In 1720, the authorities hung a sign on the wall of the palace, which can be seen today. It said that from now on everyone who would erase, throw garbage or bathe in a fountain, must pay a fine.
Italy is famous for carnivals.She also took guests in masks and Piazza della Signoria in Florence. So, in 1830, one of the statues (throwing a suit over) was stolen by vandals. Her fate is still unknown. During the year the city installed a copy in its place.