Michaelangelo's David

The first exhibit is of Michaelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence. As I indicated in my introduction I’m not sure why I started my collection but it may have been the name. David and I share a name but I’m afraid the resemblance ends there. I am only 5’11” not 17 feet; my body, as my wife would testify, is more to be laughed at than admired; and millions would not travel half way around the world to gaze at my naked figure, let alone pay to see it.   

Facts about David

• • It is sculpted from a single piece of Carrara marble and Michaelangelo’s was the third attempt to sculpt the statue from it

  • There is a replica  in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence

  • It has twice been vandalised. During a riot in 1527 his left arm was broken in three places and in 1991 Piero Cannata took a hammer and smashed the second toe on his left foot 

  • It was originally intended for a roof top but when it was finished it was recognised as being too fine to languish on a roof 

  • When a replica went on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1857 Queen Victoria ordered a fig leaf to be placed over his genitals

Top attractions in Florence

• • Gallerie Degli Uffizi – see works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian and Botticelli

  • Galleria dell'Accademia – this is where you can see the original David by Michelangelo

  • Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore – climb to the top for the best views in Florence

  • Mercato Centrale – described by Timeout as ‘two floors of foodie heaven’.

  • Artisanal Gelator Vivoli - making homemade ice cream since 1930

  • Palazzo Vecchio – the town hall of Florence located next door to the Uffizi Gallery and one time home of the Medicis.