Florence - Piazza della Signoria and its Neighbourhood: Loggia della Signoria
The
Loggia della Signoria is also called "Loggia dei Lanzi" because Cosimo I used it to station the Lansquenets (
Lanzichenecchi in Italian), the famous German mercenary guards.
The Loggia della Signoria was built as an open space for public ceremonies, but it has actually transformed into an open art gallery. The Loggia houses some important statues, such as
Benvenuto Cellini`s bronze
Perseus holding Medusa`s head, the
Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna,
Hercules Beating the Centaur Nessus and other sculptures representing Roman women.
