Sarah Jane Black / 15 March 2013 / Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Arts Galleries

Galleria Dell' Accademia

FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WHOLE OF ITALIA

It's unimpressive from the outside and an overnight train ride from Rome for us so we only get to go about once a year but I do try to visit Florence often because I love this place.

The Gallery is right between piazza del Duomo and piazza Santissima Annunziata, and near to the Accademia di Belle Arti and the Opificio delle pietre dure (an art restoration institute): in the XIXth century they decided to establish a museum in what used to be a convent and a hospital.

It cost only 6.50 Euro to visit David and lots more besides.

I would recommend a guide for a little more. It is worth it.

The magical part, that gives me chills everytime is the long hall where David stands at the far end.

I am always shocked by his scale even though I have been to visit a dozen or more times.

it is hard to describe the experience. I still remember the first time when I was a child of 12 or 13 years old with my parents. I remember seeing all the sculptures on display climbing from the rocks they are encased in, unfinished works which are surprisingly magnificent on their own and then as you walk towards The David you feel in awe, you know you are looking at something like nothing else.

This is one place which should be included on everyones "Bucket List" I think. It is an experience like no other.

For practical reasons it is good to visit in low season as in the summer the queues extend all the way round the building and because the museum is very small you can have to wait half a day. Also buy tickets ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.