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The Giant of the Apennines — 50036 Vaglia FI
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Art, Theaters and Museums 📍 50036 Vaglia FI, Italy 394 views

The Giant of the Apennines

the Giant of the Apennines made by Giambologna in 1579-80 and that the statue, which is 14 m high, is not a statue but rather a masonry base covered in plaster with a final finish in stone and sponges. The Giant is bent down in the act of crushing the dragon ... The final result...

The Giant of the Apennines — 50036 Vaglia FI, Italy.

Location
50036 Vaglia FI
Type
Art, Theaters and Museums
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About The Giant of the Apennines

The Giant of the Apennines - 50036 Vaglia FI | Secret World Trip Planner

the Giant of the Apennines made by Giambologna in 1579-80 and that the statue, which is 14 m high, is not a statue but rather a masonry base covered in plaster with a final finish in stone and sponges. The Giant is bent down in the act of crushing the dragon ... The final result is simply breathtaking and one is surprised that such a work is practically unknown to most people. It is said that even Giambologna realized that he had created a beautiful work and immediately regretted having done it "practically lost in Pratolino" and not in one of the squares of Florence or Renaissance Italy, where it would become one of the most famous works in the world. The Giant can be visited inside, on the back of the Giant is in fact the access to the structure and, by means of a grille door, you can access the compartment obtained in the high part of the body that arrives, through an internal staircase, up to the head. Think that this compartment is naturally illuminated by the light that enters from the eyes of the Giant.

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    The Giant of the Apennines
    📍 50036 Vaglia FI
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    📍 0.5 km away
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    📍 6 km away

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can visit the interior of this remarkable sculpture. Access is through a door on the back of the Giant, and an internal staircase leads up to a naturally lit compartment in the head, where light streams through the statue's eyes, creating a unique viewing experience.
The Giant stands 14 meters high and is not a solid stone statue as it appears. Instead, it's a masonry base covered in plaster with a final finish of stone and sponges, demonstrating an ingenious construction technique from 1579-80.
The sculpture was created by the renowned Renaissance artist Giambologna between 1579-80. The Giant is depicted in a dramatic pose, bending down in the act of crushing a dragon beneath it.
According to historical accounts, even Giambologna regretted that his masterpiece was placed in the relatively remote location of Pratolino rather than in a prominent Florence square. This placement has kept it practically unknown to most people, despite being a breathtaking work that would rival the world's most famous sculptures.
The interior compartment in the upper body of the Giant features a unique natural lighting system where light enters directly through the statue's eyes, creating an atmospheric and memorable experience as you climb the internal staircase to explore this hidden space.

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