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