Loggia Del Bigallo

Loggia del Bigallo, Florence, Italy: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of the Loggia del Bigallo

Located at the heart of Florence, adjacent to the iconic Piazza San Giovanni and the Cathedral (Duomo), the Loggia del Bigallo stands as a striking symbol of the city’s medieval dedication to charity, civic engagement, and artistic achievement. Built in the 14th century by the Compagnia della Misericordia and later the Compagnia di Santa Maria del Bigallo, this open-air loggia originally served as a refuge for Florence’s lost and abandoned children. Today, it remains a significant historical and architectural landmark, housing a museum that preserves medieval and Renaissance artworks and documents related to Florence’s social history. This comprehensive guide explores the Loggia del Bigallo’s fascinating history, architectural highlights, visitor information, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit (Florence As It Was; 055firenze.it; Museumrun).

Introduction and History
Origins and Founding of the Loggia del Bigallo
Construction and Architectural Highlights
Symbolic and Civic Importance
Artistic and Cultural Significance
Role in Florentine Society
Practical Visitor Information
Visitor Experience and Facilities
Visitor Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary and Further Resources

Origins and Historical Background

The Loggia del Bigallo’s foundation dates to the early 14th century, following the donation of property by Baldinaccio Adimari to the Misericordia, a charitable brotherhood devoted to the poor, sick, and orphans of Florence (Florence As It Was). Expanded with support from families like the Albizzi, the loggia was constructed between 1355 and 1363 under Leonardo Bartolini and featured decorative contributions from craftsmen such as Ambrogio, whose ironwork is still admired today.

Originally, the loggia functioned as a shelter and meeting place for charitable activities, embodying the civic pride and communal responsibility that defined medieval Florence. Its strategic location at the corner of Piazza San Giovanni and Via dei Calzaioli ensured high visibility and accessibility within the city’s religious and civic hub (055firenze.it; guitaly.com).

Construction and Architectural Highlights

Gothic Design and Features

The Loggia del Bigallo exemplifies late Gothic civic architecture. Its open loggia faces the bustling Piazza San Giovanni, with pointed arches constructed from pietra serena sandstone and adorned with green marble details. Slender columns, intricate capitals, and Ambrogio’s iron grillwork add to the building’s elegance (055firenze.it). The frieze above the arches displays the coats of arms of the Misericordia and Bigallo brotherhoods, while the upper story—added in the 15th century—features mullioned windows and a smaller arched loggia.

Decorative Elements

The façade is rich with decorative symbolism. Sculpted figures of the Cardinal Virtues in the spandrels, Madonna and Child reliefs, and the “Bigallo” cockerels signal the building’s religious dedication and its charitable mission. The building’s roofline, with its cornice and pinnacles, enhances its Gothic silhouette in Florence’s cityscape (guitaly.com).

Symbolic and Civic Importance

The Loggia del Bigallo’s open design and prominent location represented the ideals of public charity and communal responsibility. In its early years, the loggia offered shelter to abandoned children and a gathering place for charitable activities, reinforcing the brotherhoods’ commitment to social welfare. Its architectural openness and decorative heraldry communicated the city’s values to all citizens and visitors (Florence As It Was).

Artistic and Cultural Significance

Frescoes and Museum Collections

Within the loggia, a rare 14th-century fresco cycle by Ventura di Moro and Rossello di Jacopo Franchi depicts legendary events in the history of the charitable brotherhoods, such as San Pietro Martire’s miracles (055firenze.it). The museum upstairs houses works by Bernardo Daddi, Niccolò di Pietro Gerini, and contributions from Alberto Arnoldi, as well as archival documents, liturgical objects, and sculptures highlighting the brotherhoods’ religious and social legacy (Museums in Florence; museumrun.com).

Integration with Urban Life

The Loggia del Bigallo has remained a vital part of Florence’s urban fabric for centuries, serving as both a refuge and a community space. Today, it preserves Florence’s traditions of public charity, civic pride, and artistic excellence (ArtTrav; The Crazy Tourist).

Role in Florentine Society

Beyond its function as a shelter, the Loggia del Bigallo was celebrated as a place for social interaction and public gatherings. Renaissance theorist Leon Battista Alberti praised loggias as venues for fostering community and moral oversight. Artistic representations throughout the centuries have captured the loggia’s evolving role and enduring presence within Florence’s society (Florence As It Was).

Practical Visitor Information

Location and How to Get There

The Loggia del Bigallo is located at Piazza San Giovanni, at the intersection with Via dei Calzaioli, directly adjacent to the Duomo (Google Maps). It is easily accessible on foot from Florence’s main attractions and train station (Santa Maria Novella), with bus stops nearby for public transport users.

Visiting Hours

Loggia (ground level): Open at all hours as part of Florence’s urban landscape.
Museo del Bigallo (upper floor): Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission 30 minutes before closing). Closed on Mondays and major holidays. Always check the official website for seasonal updates (Museo del Bigallo official site).

Tickets and Admission

Loggia: Free access.
Museum: Tickets typically cost €2–€6, with discounts for students, seniors, and children. Free admission for minors, Florence residents, and on the first Sunday of each month.
Tickets are available on-site and, for group visits or special events, online (Museo del Bigallo official site).

Accessibility

The loggia at street level is wheelchair accessible.
The museum upstairs is accessible only by staircase and does not have an elevator, which may limit access for visitors with mobility impairments.
Accessible restrooms are available nearby in Piazza del Duomo.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours are offered by local operators and occasionally by the museum, providing in-depth historical and artistic context. Educational programs are available for families and school groups. Special events, including lectures and exhibitions, are held throughout the year (Florence Museums).

Visitor Experience and Facilities

The open loggia provides a shaded spot for resting and people-watching, with magnificent views of the Duomo. Inside, interpretive panels in Italian and English explain the history and significance of the Bigallo institutions and their artistic heritage. While there is no seating or restrooms within the loggia, nearby cafes and public facilities are easily accessible.

Photography is permitted in the loggia and museum (non-flash, no tripods), making it a favorite location for capturing Florence’s cityscape.

Tips for Visitors

Best Times to Visit: Early mornings and late afternoons are less crowded and offer optimal lighting for photos.
Combine Your Visit: Pair with Florence Cathedral, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, or a stroll down Via dei Calzaioli.
Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended, especially if visiting adjacent religious sites.
Weather in June: Expect warm, sunny days (16°C–28°C); bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable footwear (The Travel Folk).
Safety: The area is safe but always remain alert for pickpockets in busy areas.
Cultural Events: June features the Feast of San Giovanni (June 24), with processions and festivities visible from the loggia (Visit Florence).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the Loggia del Bigallo visiting hours?
A: The loggia is open at all times. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00, and closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Entry to the loggia is free. Museum admission ranges from €2 to €6, with discounts and free entry for eligible visitors.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: For most visits, buy tickets on-site; group bookings and special events may offer online reservations (Museo del Bigallo official site).

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Only the loggia is wheelchair accessible; the museum is accessible by stairs only.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local operators and occasionally by the museum.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Photography is allowed in both the loggia and museum (no flash or tripods).

Q: How long does a visit take?
A: Most visits last between 30 and 45 minutes.

Q: Is the Loggia del Bigallo included in Florence museum passes?
A: Yes, it is included in the Firenze Card and other city passes.

Summary and Further Resources

The Loggia del Bigallo is a testament to Florence’s medieval charitable spirit, architectural innovation, and ongoing civic pride. Its graceful arches, detailed capitals, and historic frescoes invite visitors to explore centuries of social, artistic, and urban history. Centrally located beside the Duomo, the loggia is easily accessible and can be enjoyed as part of a broader exploration of Florence’s landmarks. For up-to-date information on opening hours, ticketing, and events, consult the Museo del Bigallo official website.

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