Where Is the Statue of David?

After 500 years, Michelangelo’s David is still recognized as a masterpiece that propelled the evolution of Renaissance art in Florence. But what isn’t quite as recognizable is the original version of the David. Currently, there are three statues of David—one authentic one and two replicas. In this guide, you’ll learn about the significance of the statue and where to find all three Davids in Florence.

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The Story of David

According to the Biblical tale, David’s story is one of courage, wisdom, and unforeseen strength. At the time, the Israelites’ relentless enemy, Goliath the giant, was threatening the safety and security of the Israelites.

For many days, Goliath pestered the Israelites to fight him. It was a fight that would bestow power to the winner. As a result of David using his wit and connection with God to fight Goliath, the Israelites were free of the Philistines’ threats. In the end, David ascended as the hero.

History of Michelangelo’s David

In Florence, David is an artistic icon of hope. During the 1400s, Florence’s wealth and status rose. Also, artistry, textiles, banking, and the beginning of Renaissance culture contributed to Florence’s prosperity.

With the establishment of new techniques in art, architecture, and economics, the city was able to compete on a more even playing field with nearby cities, such as Rome.

This is why David became the symbol of the city. Although Florence began as a weak competitor, it quickly became strong and surpassed other areas. Similarly, David grew in strength when he defeated the giant.

Because religion was central to all areas of life, David represented the religious ties between the city and God.

During the 1400s, Andrea del Verrocchio and Donatello portrayed David in their own statues. However, Michelangelo’s raw interpretation depicted the humanization of David’s conscious thought. It was a concept that birthed the Renaissance era.  

Other artists sculpted David after his triumph over Goliath. Michelangelo’s statue, on the other hand, told a more in-depth narrative. He chose to portray David before the battle with Goliath, which emphasized David’s imperative choice in his own actions.

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Locations of the David Statues

So, where is the Statue of David? There are three Davids around the city of Florence. Think you’ve found the real one? Let’s find out.

Accademia Gallery

The colossal and authentic 17-foot-tall Statue of David is currently located in the Accademia Gallery. However, it wasn’t always there. Its original home was the Piazza della Signoria.

When the Opera del Duomo first commissioned the statue, it was intended for the Cathedral of Florence. Agostino di Duccio and Antonio Rossellino began the project in 1464 and 1475, respectively. However, neither sculptor could carve the marble because of its size.

Michelangelo rose to the challenge. He began the project in 1501 and ended it in 1504. The only problem was the size of the finished product.

Imagine a 17-foot-tall statue on top of an elevated surface in the cathedral. High up, the intricacy of the detailing would have been lost. So, a committee met to approve a permanent home for the statue in the Piazza della Signoria. Or, so they thought.

In 1873, the statue was moved to the Accademia Gallery after experiencing weather damage. The Accademia Gallery has preserved the Statue of David ever since.

Location: Accademia Gallery

How To See the Statue of David

Our guide on how to visit Michelangelo’s David will give you all the details you need for your visit. You can also see the authentic Statue of David with an expert guide in our Florence and Accademia guided tours.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if an Accademia and David tour is worth it.

Piazza della Signoria

The statue of David in the Piazza della Signoria is in fact a replica. That said, its resemblance to the original statue is uncanny to most travelers who pass by the square.

In 1910, the replica was created to replace the original statue, which had to be moved to the Accademia Gallery.

The L-shaped square is one of the most famous in the city and home to many significant Renaissance structures in Florence. The square is situated between the Duomo and the Arno River, which is directly in the center of the city.

Travelers touring the area have increased as a result. The replica stands in the company of other statues from Renaissance sculptors, including Benvenuto Cellini, Giambologna, Fancelli, and Vacca.

Although the original Statue of David is in the Accademia Gallery, the Piazza della Signoria is a must-see for anyone hoping to gain more insight into the political, economic, and architectural history of Florence.

Location: Piazza della Signoria

Piazzale Michelangelo

You’ll find the third statue of David on the hillside at Piazzale Michelangelo, overlooking a breathtaking view of the city.

In the 1860s, Guiseppe Poggi developed the Piazzale Michelangelo and drew up plans for a Michelangelo monument to hold replicas of his work.

Because of the significance of the Statue of David, the city placed a replica on the monument’s base in 1873.

The difference between this replica and the original David is in the materials used. While Michelangelo used white, simplistic marble for his original, the creators of the replica chose bronze to differentiate the two masterpieces.

Today, the replica statue of David remains central to the Piazzale Michelangelo. While visitors take in the city’s views and dine on exquisite cuisine at the top of the hill, the monumental statue of David also greets them. There’s no better way to explore the city.

Location: Piazzale Michelangelo

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