If you're in the artistic centre and birthplace of the Renaissance that is Florence, you're probably planning a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in Piazza della Signoria. Should this be the case, there are a few things that you may want to bear in mind first.
One of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world, the Uffizi was originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560. The name comes from the Italian word for “offices” which is what the building was intended to house when it was first constructed.
One of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world, the Uffizi was originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560. The name comes from the Italian word for “offices” which is what the building was intended to house when it was first constructed.
More and more space was dedicated to the display of artworks over time until that became its primary function. In the sixteenth century access could be granted to visitors who requested it and in 1765, it was officially opened to public access.
Today, there are 45 rooms open to the public and one can take guided tours throughout these spaces. However, since 2006, work has been underway to expand the size of the gallery's public areas and allow works which normally remain in storage to go on show. Each room groups works by scientists, architects, sculptors, painters and writers and celebrates their achievements.
Though primarily known for its display of largely Renaissance art by the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Cimabue, Botticelli, Giotto, Van der Weyden, Durer, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi and Rembrandt, you can also see the work of scientists like Galilei and writers such as the great Dante Alighieri. The architecture and design of the interiors of the gallery itself are also a real treat and something to admire while visiting.
Today, there are 45 rooms open to the public and one can take guided tours throughout these spaces. However, since 2006, work has been underway to expand the size of the gallery's public areas and allow works which normally remain in storage to go on show. Each room groups works by scientists, architects, sculptors, painters and writers and celebrates their achievements.
Though primarily known for its display of largely Renaissance art by the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Cimabue, Botticelli, Giotto, Van der Weyden, Durer, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi and Rembrandt, you can also see the work of scientists like Galilei and writers such as the great Dante Alighieri. The architecture and design of the interiors of the gallery itself are also a real treat and something to admire while visiting.
Reservations are not required to visit the Uffizi but it is recommended as one can find incredibly long lines upon arrival, especially during high season. It is considered especially necessary to book tickets between April and September, at weekends and over holidays such as Christmas. However, it is generally advised to book in advance as entry is available every fifteen minutes for those with tickets. Booking also allows you to pick exactly what time and date on which you would like to visit the Uffizi.
You can book online or call +39. 055294883, where attendants speak both Italian and English. Doing so adds an extra €4.00 to the price of tickets but is well worth it for the time and effort it will spare you later and the additional time you will have to enjoy the rest of the city.
The Uffizi is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8.15am to 18.50pm and is closed both on Sunday and Monday - many monuments and sights are closed on Mondays in Florence so this is something to keep especially in mind.
Find yourself a wonderful holiday rental in Florence and take the time to explore everything Florence has to offer.
You can book online or call +39. 055294883, where attendants speak both Italian and English. Doing so adds an extra €4.00 to the price of tickets but is well worth it for the time and effort it will spare you later and the additional time you will have to enjoy the rest of the city.
The Uffizi is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8.15am to 18.50pm and is closed both on Sunday and Monday - many monuments and sights are closed on Mondays in Florence so this is something to keep especially in mind.
Find yourself a wonderful holiday rental in Florence and take the time to explore everything Florence has to offer.
Photo credits
picture 1: Paolo Villa / CC BY-SA 4.0
picture 1: Paolo Villa / CC BY-SA 4.0
