Florence is a city famed for its fine art and architecture, and here are the best statues to look out for in the city.
There are many reasons one might want to visit the charming city of Florence in Italy, most notably for its variety of fascinating museums, beautiful architecture, an abundance of world-class wine and, of course, to marvel at its famous statues.
As the capital city of the iconic wine region of Tuscany, Florence has a lot going for it, making it a top choice for a European getaway.
You can expect culture, delicious food, stunning views, and a host of marvellous monuments and outdoor sculptures to keep you enthralled.
So, if you are craving a date with Italian art, look at these ten incredible statues in Florence you need to check out.
10. Abduction of the Sabine Women – a sculpture with a profound meaning
This statue in Florence is widely considered Giambologna’s masterpiece, and it has been at its home in Loggia Dei Lanzi since 1582.
It tells the story of a mass abduction of young women during early Roman times when the city had a low population of women and has been the subject of many art pieces over the years.
Address: Chiasso dei Baroncelli, P.za della Signoria, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
9. Judith and the Holofernes – the symbol of Florence
Like David, you may spot a replica of this statue around the city, but the genuine version is located at the Hall of Lillies in the Palazzo Vecchio.
This statue symbolizes the city’s fight to protect itself against foreign powers, making it one of the most incredible statues in Florence you need to visit.
Address: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
8. Perseus Statue – an iconic statue in the city
At Loggia Dei Lanzi, you will come to a statue of Perseus and the head of Medusa, one of the most incredible statues in Florence you need to check out.
Benvenuto Cellini created this iconic statue between 1545-1554 out of Bronze, but what we love about this piece is that if you look closely at the back of Perseus’s helmet, you will see a self-portrait of the sculpture himself.
Address: P.za della Signoria, 2r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
7. Leonardo da Vinci – one of the most notable Italian artists
Outside the Uffizi Gallery, you will see a statue of Leonardo de Vinci, who made Hall 15 famous with his artworks.
His statue is, of course, located here because he has significantly impacted the art scene in Florence, and his legacy lives on to this day.
It is one thing to marvel at the work he created, but we recommend taking time to witness his statue of him before entering.
Address: Piazza della Scala, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
6. Equestrian Statue of Ferdinando I – a perfect photo opportunity
This bronze equestrian statue is one of the most incredible statues in Florence you need to check out, and it is in a prime spot at the centre of Piazza Della Santissima Annunziata.
The statue faces the Florence Cathedral making it a fantastic place to take photos and observe great art and architecture. Take a break from touring the statues and have some gelato in Florence.
Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
5. Hercules & Cacus – a masterpiece by Bandinelli
This impressive Italian Renaissance sculpture is a marble statue located in Piazza Della Signoria – a haven for art.
It is situated beside the replica of David and was initially intended to be carved by Michaelangelo. Still, it was carefully created by Baccio Bandinelli, making it one of his prime pieces.
Address: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
4. Monumento a Dante Alighieri – the statue with the piercing eyes
One of the most incredible statues in Florence you need to check out has to be the statue of Dante Alighieri, located at Piazza Santa Croce, right in front of the Basilica.
While many statues often appear smaller than imagined, this one is large in reality, and the piercing eyes are what captivates us the most.
Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
3. Uffizi Gallery – a top location for outdoor sculptures
There are plenty more exciting sculptures to see in the same spot as the Leonardo De Vinci statue, just beside the Uffizi Gallery.
Check out the courtyard, which leads you from Pizza Della Signoria to the Arno River. You will discover statues of legends before us, such as Botticelli, Michaelangelo and Giotto, to name a few.
Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
2. The Fountain of Neptune – one of the most visited statues in Florence
Located in the Piazza Della Signoria, you will find the iconic Fountain of Neptune statue outside Palazzo Vecchio.
This is one of the most photographed statues in Florence and is situated by a replica of David and several other notable statues, so keep your eyes peeled here. There are some very central locations among the best Airbnbs in Florence which are not far away from these stunning statues.
Address: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
1. The Statue of David – the most famous statue in Florence
Not only is the Statue of David by Michaelangelo the most famous statue in Florence, but it is also the top attraction amongst visitors to the city, giving it the top spots on our list.
While there are plenty of replicas around town, in both Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo, you will find the original statue at the Galleria dell’Academia, so be sure to get a glimpse.
Address: Via Ricasoli, 60, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Notable mentions
The equestrian statue of Cosimo I: Giambologna’s statue of Cosimo I de Medici on horseback is worth viewing in Florence, given that it is incredibly detailed and character.
Fontana del Porecellino: Located at Mercato Nuevo in Florence, you will find Pietro Tacca’s famous sculpture – based on the Roman marble version, which has been replicated worldwide, from Australia to Norway and beyond.
Patroclo e Menelao: Also known as Ajax holding the body of Achilles, this famous statue in Florence gets a lot of attention since it is based on Homer’s Iliad from Ancient Greece.
Genio Della Vittoria: This marble sculpture by Michaelangelo entitled The Genius of Victory can be viewed at Palazzo Vecchio, which you cannot miss.
FAQs about statues in Florence
What statues are in Florence?
Around Piazza Della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery and Piazza Vecchio, you will find a host of famous sculptures and statues, such as The Fountain of Neptune and a replica of David.
What are the statues in front of Palazzo Vecchio?
You will find a replica of Michaelangelo’s David and Hercules and Cacus next to it.
What are the statues outside of the Uffizi Gallery?
Outside this prominent gallery, you will see many figures of great painters and artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Boticelli and Michaelangelo, to name but a few.
A visit to Florence will truly bring out the art lover in you, and while you are there, these are the top ten most incredible statues you need to check out, so be sure to soak up all the sights and culture.
