The Loggia dei Lanzi occupies the south-east corner of Piazza della Signoria, a three-bay open arcade sheltering some of the finest Renaissance and ancient sculpture in Florence — all permanently on show, and all free to admire. Cellini's bronze Perseus holding the severed head of Medusa stands under the central arch, while Giambologna's marble Rape of the Sabine Women spirals upward beside it.
Built in the 1370s as a space for public ceremonies, the loggia was later used to house the Medici's growing sculpture collection. Ancient Roman pieces, including a row of six female figures along the back wall, share the space with Renaissance works. Because it opens directly onto the piazza, the Loggia never crowds as badly as the museums — you can take your time with the sculpture at any hour.