No doubt about it, L'Accademia is a top attraction, and with good reason, it houses the unforgettable David, sculpted by Renaissance master Michelangelo. The building's humble origins were elevated in the 18th century when an ancient hospital and a convent were joined to create a public art school. These days, several thousand art pilgrims flock here by the day to admire not only Michelangelo's masterpiece, but also the fine works of Sandro Botticelli and Andrea del Sarto, as part of the permanent collections of sculpture, painting from the 13th all the way up to the 16th century. In 2001 the museum opened a collection which features instruments, and we recommend you check out the instruments masterfully carved by the hands of Antonio Stradivari. It's advisable to buy the tickets in advance to (somewhat) avoid the queue.