Bargello National Museum 🇮🇹

Step into the Bargello National Museum, also known as the Palazzo del Bargello or Palazzo del Popolo, to experience Florence's oldest public building. Originally constructed beginning in 1255 as a municipal seat and later serving as a police headquarters and prison, this 13th-century medieval fortress has housed Italy's primary national collection for Italian Renaissance sculpture since 1865. Inside this historic structure, you will discover an unequalled array of Florentine masterpieces alongside decorative arts, ceramics, textiles, ivories, tapestries, armor, and coins.

The museum features an open courtyard dating from 1280–1285 and the Cappella della Maddalena, home to extensive, damaged frescoes by Giotto that include a full-length portrait of Dante. As you explore its grand spaces, you will view iconic sculptures by Michelangelo—including his Bacchus, Pitti Tondo, Brutus, and David-Apollo—and Donatello, featuring both his bronze and marble statues of David, Saint George, Amore-Attis, and the heraldic Marzocco. Additional highlights include works by Andrea del Verrocchio, Benvenuto Cellini's bronze bust of Cosimo I, Giambologna's Mercury, and Gianlorenzo Bernini's Bust of Costanza Bonarelli.

You will also see competition models by Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi for the Florence Baptistery doors.

What to see at Bargello National Museum

• Donatello's bronze and marble David statues, Saint George, and Marzocco
• Michelangelo's Bacchus, Pitti Tondo, Brutus, and David-Apollo
• Giotto's damaged frescoes featuring a full-length portrait of Dante in the Cappella della Maddalena
• The 1401 Florence Baptistery door competition models by Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi
• Giambologna's Mercury and Benvenuto Cellini's bronze bust of Cosimo I

Visiting tips

Enjoy a more relaxed visit here, as the museum generally lacks the long entry queues typical of the Uffizi.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Bargello National Museum is easy to reach on Florence’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Florence Cathedral and Uffizi Gallery. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Florence travel guide.