A BIT OF INFORMATIONS
This square is still considered the political center of the city. On the left you’ll find the Equestrian Monument of Cosimo 1 (1594) by the Flemish artist Giarnbologna; there’s also a marble fountain (1575) by B. Ammannati portraying Neptune (also called “il
Biancone”) on a chariot drawn by sea horses with bronze satyrs and nymphs. A round
granite plaque, located in front of the fountain, commemorates the site wehere the preacher Savonarola was
burned at the stake in 1498. On the steps leading to Palazzo Vecchio you can admire, from left to right: the Marzocco, or a lion (in
fact, a few real ones were kept at the back of the palace!). These animals were also one of the city’s symbols. The original statue (1458)
is by Donatello and can be found at the Bargello Museum. Next you’ll find a recent bronze
copy of Judith and Holofernes (1460), also by Donatello (the original is kept in the
Fleur - de - Lis Hall lnside the palazzo). There’s also a marble copy of Miechelangelo’s David (the
original is on display at the Accademia Gallery). And finally, there’s Hercules and
Cacus by B. Bandineffi (1534).