Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I, Bronze equestrian statue in Piazza della Signoria, Italy.
The Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I sits in Piazza della Signoria as a bronze statue showing the duke mounted on a horse in a forward stride. The figure stands on a marble pedestal decorated with carved reliefs that complete the sculptural ensemble.
Ferdinando I commissioned Giambologna to create this work in 1587 as a tribute to his father, who became the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. The completed monument in 1594 marked a significant moment in Florence's artistic and political development.
The pedestal displays marble reliefs that document significant moments from Cosimo's rule and his influence over Florence. These carvings show how the city remembered his leadership and the events that shaped his legacy.
The monument sits in the center of Piazza della Signoria and is accessible from multiple directions across its paved surface. The open plaza provides clear sightlines for viewing and photographing the statue from various angles.
The horse was cast in a single bronze pour, a remarkable technical achievement for an object of its size and weight. This foundry process required specialized craftsmen and equipment designed specifically for such an undertaking.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
