Bargello & Other Museums

Museo Nazionale del Bargello

The Bargello (1255) is the oldest public building in Florence — once a police palace and prison, now one of the world's most important sculpture museums. Here stand Donatello's bronze David (the first freestanding nude since antiquity), Verrocchio's David (for which the young Leonardo posed), Michelangelo's Brutus, and Cellini's original busts. Admission: 9€. Astonishingly few visitors — the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Uffizi.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

The Cathedral Museum behind the cathedral houses the original works that once adorned the cathedral and baptistery: Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise (the real ones!), Donatello's Mary Magdalene (a shockingly expressive wooden sculpture), Michelangelo's Bandini Pietà (his penultimate work, which he damaged himself with a hammer), and a full model of the cathedral facade. Included in the cathedral combo ticket (30€).

Orsanmichele

This former grain market hall, converted into a church, is a curiosity: In the niches of the outer facade stand sculptures of the Florentine guilds — Donatello, Ghiberti, Verrocchio, each immortalized their guild. Inside: a magnificent Gothic tabernacle by Andrea Orcagna. Admission: free.

Museo Galileo

The Galileo Museum on the Arno, right next to the Uffizi, showcases the scientific instruments of the Medici collections — including Galileo's original telescopes and his mummified middle finger (yes, really). A fascinating museum for anyone interested in the history of science. Admission: 12€.