More than 500 years have passed, yet Michelangelo’s David remains one of the most admired masterpieces of Renaissance art. In Florence, the statue has become more than a sculpture—it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the city’s cultural pride. But here’s something most visitors don’t know: there are three Davids in Florence, and only one of them is the original.
So, where is the real David?
Many tourists assume the statue in Piazza della Signoria is the original—but it’s actually a replica. I myself believed that for years, walking past it without realizing that the true masterpiece stands inside Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia.
Carved from a single block of Carrara marble, the original David is over 5 meters (17 feet) tall and was sculpted by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504. Originally commissioned for the Florence Cathedral, it was later moved to the city’s central square, where it stood until 1873. Due to weather damage, it was carefully relocated to the Accademia Gallery, where it remains on display today—protected and revered.
The Replicas
Today, visitors can still see a replica in Piazza della Signoria, standing exactly where the original once stood. Another striking bronze version was placed at the scenic Piazzale Michelangelo, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Florence. This replica uses bronze instead of marble to differentiate it from the original, but it carries the same powerful stance and symbolism.
Why David?
In the 15th century, Florence was rising as a wealthy and ambitious republic, competing with Rome and other Italian cities. David, the biblical hero who defeated the giant Goliath with only a sling, was the perfect metaphor for Florence—small in size, but strong in spirit and intellect. Michelangelo’s sculpture captures that very essence: strength, defiance, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds.
Standing in front of the original David in the Accademia is a moving experience. You feel both small and uplifted by the scale and craftsmanship of the statue. It may not be the most emotional of Italy’s marble masterpieces, but it’s certainly one of the most awe-inspiring.