The Loggia della Signoria (or Loggia dei Lanzi) stands across from the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and was built in 1382. The Loggia contains a number of sculptures, including “Perseus”, made by Benvenuto Cellini, who triumphantly holds up the head of the just killed Medusa.
A brief history of the Loggia della Signoria in Florence
The Loggia della Signoria is also often called Loggia dei Lanzi. This is due to the fact that the Landsknechten stayed there in 1727 on their way to Rome.
The construction was designed by Benci di Cione and Simone Talenti. The style is late
The Loggia was built between 1376 and 1383, with the intention of holding popular assemblies there. Important ceremonies of the Florentine Republic were also held here, such as the appointment of the lords. There were other loggias that could have performed the same functions, but the authorities wanted something more grandiose.
The sculptures were not placed in the loggia until after the fall of the Republic. By then the building had lost its political use.
What to see
The four formellas decorating the facade with allegorical figures depict the cardinal virtues. The designer of the formellas was Agnolo Gaddi. The three wide arches are separated by clustered columns.
Two stone lions are guarding the staircase leading to the loggia. The one on the left is classical, the one on the right is from the 16th century. The columns are furhter decorated with smaller lion heads.
The best-known sculpture group under the Loggia is Cellini‘s bronze “Perseus and Medusa” (1554).
Other sculpture groups underneath the Loggia dei Lanzi are the “Rape of the Sabines” by Giambologna, the “Robbery of Polixena” by Pio Fedi, and “Hercules with the Centaur Nessus”, also by Giambologna.
Giambologna had originally given the “Rape of the Sabines” the title “The Three Ages”.
“Hercules with the Centaur Nessus” was made in 1599 and originally stood on the Canto dei Carnesecchi. Before it arrived at its present location in 1812, it was first placed under the Uffizi loggia and later at the Ponte Vecchio. Especially the twisted neck of the centaurus is beautifully carved.
“Ajax supporting the body of Patroclus” is a copy of a Greek original.
The six statues along the back wall depict Roman matrons.
Opening hours and entrance fee
Piazza della Signoria is a 10-minute walk from Florence Central Station. The nearest bus stop is Porta Rossa (line C2). The Loggia della Signoria can be viewed for free at any time of the day. During day time you can even walk between the statues and see them up close.
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