Academy of Fine Arts

In the entrance hallway are four of Michelangelo's "prisoners", marble creations intentionally unfinished by the artist. Down the hall, Michelangelo's perfect David stands tall, about 10 feet. He was moved here from Piazza della Signoria in 1873 after a stone thrown in a riot broke his left wrist in two places. An entire back room reveals a multitude of beautifully crafted marble statues.

Baptistery

The first set of the magnificent bronze doors were designed by Andrea Pisano of Pisa. A young Ghiberti constructed the second set of doors and also designed the fascinating "Gates of Paradise" doors, now on the front of the Baptistery facing the gargantuan Duomo. Also, hell scenes on mosaics within were later the inspiration for Dante's inferno.

Piazza della Signoria

Massive sculptures are set around the perimeter of this large square. Statues include a copy of Michelangelo's David, Donatello's Judith and Holofernes, Bandinelli's Hercules and the controversial Neptune, often viewed as aesthetically unappealing. Also in the Square at the Loggia dei Lanzi are graphic statues depicting the slaying of Medusa, the Rape of the Sabines and the Rape of Polyxena.

Santa Croce Church

Although construction begun in 1294, the bell tower and fa?ade were not completed until the 19th century. The beautiful church is the final resting place for Machiavelli, Galileo and Michelangelo. Dante was supposed to have been buried here but when he died in Ravenna, he was never sent back to Florence.