Uffizi Gallery - Best-Known of the Museums in Florence
Florence is an art-lover's dream, with the huge Uffizi Gallery definitely claiming the title of its most famous museum.
Built between the years 1560 to 1580, it not only houses the most important collection of Renaissance art anywhere in the World, it's also a superb example of Italian Mannerist architecture, and the frescoes on the ceilings in the main hallway are absolutely divine.
Within its ancient walls, you'll discover awe-inspiring masterpieces by such greats as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and Rubens.
Not to mention the collections of artists' self-portraits, miniatures, sculptures, altar pieces, plus over 100,000 drawings and prints.
But, why should the building be called "uffizi" which, in Italian, means "offices"? Well, this goes back to the reason it was originally erected when, in 1560, Cosimo I commissioned Giorgio Vasari to construct magistrates' offices.
It was not until some years later, in 1582, that the building was turned into an art gallery, by Bernardo Buontalenti.
Then, in 1743, it became a property of the state, when Anna Maria Ludovica - last of the infamous Medicis - left it to the city.
Tips For Visiting The Uffizi The Uffizi is open from Tuesday through to Sunday, and entrance is free for European citizens under 18 or over 65.
Depending on the time of year you visit, it really is a good idea to buy your entrance tickets in advance, for the queues can be terrific.
Either that, or you'll need to arrive 30 minutes before opening time, when there are less crowds.
You won't be able to take photos of the works of art, nor can you take any liquids in with you.
However, the museum does boast a café...
in fact, you'll enjoy fantastic views of Florence from the patio near the café.
Because it's so large, and chock-a-block full of works of art, the Uffizi can be rather overwhelming.
For this reason, it's best to either purchase one of the audio guides available in the Museum, or employ the services of an official guide.
If, however, you're really intent on doing your own thing and going at your own pace, do take along pictures of any works you're keen to see.
That way, you can show them to a security guide and ask where they're to be found.
After going in the entrance, you'll need to walk up the Monumental Staircase to the top floor, which is where your art-viewing journey will begin.
It's best to allow yourself a couple of hours.
Although, in this time, you'll barely scratch the surface of the works on view, staying much longer tends to leave you feeling too overwhelmed to properly enjoy your visit.
And, what should you do when you leave?...
Well, why not pop along to the Accademia Gallery and take a look at Michelangelo's Statue of David? It's very close to the Uffizi Gallery.
Built between the years 1560 to 1580, it not only houses the most important collection of Renaissance art anywhere in the World, it's also a superb example of Italian Mannerist architecture, and the frescoes on the ceilings in the main hallway are absolutely divine.
Within its ancient walls, you'll discover awe-inspiring masterpieces by such greats as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and Rubens.
Not to mention the collections of artists' self-portraits, miniatures, sculptures, altar pieces, plus over 100,000 drawings and prints.
But, why should the building be called "uffizi" which, in Italian, means "offices"? Well, this goes back to the reason it was originally erected when, in 1560, Cosimo I commissioned Giorgio Vasari to construct magistrates' offices.
It was not until some years later, in 1582, that the building was turned into an art gallery, by Bernardo Buontalenti.
Then, in 1743, it became a property of the state, when Anna Maria Ludovica - last of the infamous Medicis - left it to the city.
Tips For Visiting The Uffizi The Uffizi is open from Tuesday through to Sunday, and entrance is free for European citizens under 18 or over 65.
Depending on the time of year you visit, it really is a good idea to buy your entrance tickets in advance, for the queues can be terrific.
Either that, or you'll need to arrive 30 minutes before opening time, when there are less crowds.
You won't be able to take photos of the works of art, nor can you take any liquids in with you.
However, the museum does boast a café...
in fact, you'll enjoy fantastic views of Florence from the patio near the café.
Because it's so large, and chock-a-block full of works of art, the Uffizi can be rather overwhelming.
For this reason, it's best to either purchase one of the audio guides available in the Museum, or employ the services of an official guide.
If, however, you're really intent on doing your own thing and going at your own pace, do take along pictures of any works you're keen to see.
That way, you can show them to a security guide and ask where they're to be found.
After going in the entrance, you'll need to walk up the Monumental Staircase to the top floor, which is where your art-viewing journey will begin.
It's best to allow yourself a couple of hours.
Although, in this time, you'll barely scratch the surface of the works on view, staying much longer tends to leave you feeling too overwhelmed to properly enjoy your visit.
And, what should you do when you leave?...
Well, why not pop along to the Accademia Gallery and take a look at Michelangelo's Statue of David? It's very close to the Uffizi Gallery.