Tucked away in a corner of Piazza della Signoria, the Galleria degli Uffizi is a must-see museum in Florence. You might miss it at first, hidden behind the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia della Signoria (also known as the Loggia dei Lanzi). But trust us, this gallery is worth seeking out.
The Uffizi was built in the 16th century to house the administrative offices (hence the name “Uffizi”) for the government of Cosimo I de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Today, it’s one of the most renowned art museums in the world.
Masterpieces
The Uffizi is home to an incredible collection of art by some of history’s most famous artists. You’ll find works by the likes of:
- Botticelli
- Caravaggio
- Da Vinci
- Albrecht Dürer
- Michelangelo
- Raphael
- Rembrandt
- Peter Paul Rubens
And that’s just scratching the surface. The gallery’s collection spans centuries and includes paintings, sculptures, and more.
Must-See Paintings
With so much to see, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are a few paintings that we think are especially worth seeking out:
- Birth of Venus (1483-1485) by Sandro Botticelli
- La Primavera (1481-1482) by Sandro Botticelli
- Bacchus (1595-1597) by Caravaggio
- The Doni Tondo (1506-1508) by Michelangelo (sometimes called “The Holy Family,” this is said to be the only painting by Michelangelo in Florence)
- Flora (ca. 1517) by Titian (Tiziano Vecelli)
Of course, these are just a few highlights. You could easily spend hours exploring all the treasures the Uffizi has to offer.
Take a Virtual Tour
If you want to get a sneak peek of the Uffizi’s collection before your visit, check out the Google Art Project. This online platform lets you virtually tour the museum and see high-resolution images of many of its most famous works.
It’s a great way to get excited for your trip and start planning which pieces you definitely don’t want to miss.
the Vasari Corridor
One of the things that makes the Uffizi unique is the elevated passageway that runs through it. Called the Vasari Corridor, this walkway was commissioned in 1565 by Cosimo I de Medici and designed by Giorgio Vasari (who also worked on the frescoes in Brunelleschi’s Dome).
The corridor stretches for almost a mile, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti (more on that in a future post). It provided a safe, private way for Florence’s rulers to travel between their palace gardens (the Boboli Gardens, which are covered by the Firenze Card) on the south side of the Arno River and the government seat on the north side.
Today, the Vasari Corridor is a separate museum and portrait gallery run by the Uffizi. You can tour it by special reservation – check the Uffizi website for more information.
Tips for Your Visit
Ticket Info
Regular admission to the Uffizi is €6.50, plus any booking fees or special exhibit supplements.
Beat the Crowds
The lines to get into the Uffizi can be incredibly long, often stretching for 2-3 hours. To avoid wasting your precious vacation time standing in line, consider making reservations well in advance.
Here are a few options:
- When you book your hotel, ask if the concierge can make museum reservations for you. Some hotels offer this service for free, while others may charge a small booking fee. When we booked our hotel online, the owner actually reached out and offered to make Uffizi (and Accademia) reservations for us.
- Buy your tickets online through the Uffizi’s official website. There is a €4 surcharge for online booking, but it’s worth it to be able to choose your entry time and skip the long ticket line.
- Purchase the Firenze Card, which includes admission to the Uffizi and the Boboli Gardens and lets you skip the ticket lines.
Give Yourself Time
The Uffizi is a big museum with a lot to see. Don’t try to rush through it in an hour. We recommend budgeting at least 2-3 hours for your visit, more if you’re a serious art buff.
Dress Comfortably
You’ll be doing a lot of walking in the Uffizi, so wear comfortable shoes. The gallery is also usually crowded, so dress in layers in case you get warm.
Grab a Map
Pick up a map of the museum at the entrance. The Uffizi can be a bit of a maze, and a map will help you navigate to the pieces you most want to see.
Take a Break
If you need a break from all the art viewing, the Uffizi has a cafe where you can grab a coffee or light snack. There’s also a bookshop if you want to pick up some souvenirs or art books.
An Unforgettable Experience
Visiting the Uffizi is an experience you won’t soon forget. Standing in front of paintings you’ve seen in textbooks and on postcards is a special thrill, and the sheer scope and quality of the collection is mind-boggling.
Yes, it can be crowded and overwhelming at times. But it’s absolutely worth it for the chance to see some of the world’s greatest artistic treasures in person.
So don’t let the long lines or the vastness of the collection deter you. Make a plan, book your tickets in advance, and get ready to be amazed by the masterpieces of the Uffizi. Trust us, it’s a highlight of any trip to Florence.
