Above stands the historic and monumental Loggia di Lanzi in Florence’s Piazza Della Signoria. This is one of the grandest city squares in all of Europe. Above is a stock image from Wikipedia, not taken on the day this post was photographed, when the square was teeming with tourists. I took all of the following photos, ducking between tourists to get the shots.

It isn’t everyday that one has access to go inside this famed structure, the lovely loggia built during the Medieval period in Florence. But, on this lucky day, the ropes were open and I took advantage and made a quick tour.

I’m fortunate to say that I’ve walked around inside this famous location many many times over the years, so on every new visit, I attempt to spot something I’d never noticed before. On this day it was these sculpted figures below the entablature serving as the base from which these groined vaults rise. Can you see the female figure with her skirt stretched over her knees in the 2 sculptures? I wish I had gotten better pictures. Oh well, next time….

Just think of all the things these figures have looked at, the moments of history, since they were constructed sometime between 1376 and 1382. It’s only been 643 years or so!

The loggia houses some supreme Renaissance sculpture as well as Roman era sculptures from the Medici collections formed in the 14th century onward. It’s been said that Florence is an out-door museum and this loggia, filled with treasures, is one reason why.

Cellini’s masterpiece stands as a promise or a threat to the city!

Here’s a frontal view of this masterpiece: Perseus with the head of Medusa. You can read all about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseus_with_the_Head_of_Medusa