Galleria dell'Accademia

The mile-long queue outside this erstwhile art school will be heading in one direction only; to ogle what is perhaps the most famous nude sculpture in the world - Michelangelo’s 1504 monumental David. Originally conceived as a symbol of republican liberty, the statue stood, exposed to the elements and vandals, in Piazza della Signoria until 1873 when it was moved to its present home in the Accademia. David’s top-heavy proportions (his head and hands seem oversized) are due to the fact that he was sculpted to stand high on the façade of the Duomo.

In the gallery next to David are four other masterpieces by Michelangelo, the ‘Slaves’ or ‘Nonfiniti’ (the ‘Unfinished’) whose subjects seem to be straining to escape from their marble prison. While you are here, leave time for a wander through the rooms housing some fine quattrocento and Mannerist paintings and the magnificent collection of musical instruments which includes several ‘Strads’.