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Discover art and history at the Uffizi Gallery: Enjoy masterpieces from Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo in the world’s oldest museum in Florence.

Highlights

• See how Francesco I turned the Uffizi into a private museum.
• Learn the fascinating history of the Uffizi during your tour
• Enjoy a peaceful moment at the Uffizi café with Florence views.
• Immerse yourself in the Uffizi’s art collection and historical context
• Discover the Uffizi Gallery’s Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.

Description

A visit to Florence would be incomplete without exploring the Uffizi Gallery, a historic treasure trove celebrated for its artistic and cultural significance. Founded in 1560, the Uffizi Gallery is hailed as the oldest museum in the world. Designed by Giorgio Vasari, a distinguished Renaissance architect, the gallery was originally conceived as a space for the Florentine magistrates' administrative offices. The name “Uffizi” translates to “offices” in Italian, underscoring its initial function as a hub for governmental activities. The gallery’s creation is deeply tied to the ambitions of Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, a central figure in Renaissance Florence. Driven by a desire to consolidate the Medici family's power, Cosimo I repurposed the Uffizi into a strategic vantage point for overseeing his political rivals. The gallery's design and location were integral to his plan, blending administrative functionality with a symbolic assertion of Medici authority. However, after Cosimo I’s death, his successors, particularly his eldest son Francesco I, redirected the focus of the Uffizi from political control to cultural patronage. Francesco I de' Medici transformed the Uffizi Gallery into a private museum housing his extensive collection of art. This pivotal change marked the beginning of the gallery’s evolution into a major cultural institution. Over time, the gallery transitioned from a private collection to a public museum, offering an unparalleled array of Renaissance masterpieces that continue to draw admirers from around the globe. During this guided tour, you will embark on an enlightening exploration of the Uffizi Gallery’s artistic treasures and historical significance. As you stroll through the gallery’s grand corridors, you will encounter masterpieces from some of the most renowned artists of the Renaissance. The collection includes iconic works by Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Each piece represents a high point in Renaissance art, providing a window into the era’s creative and intellectual advancements. The tour is designed to provide a rich understanding of both the historical and artistic contexts of the gallery’s collection. Highlights include Botticelli’s mesmerizing “The Birth of Venus,” celebrated for its divine beauty, and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation,” which showcases the artist’s innovative techniques and profound insight. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation of these masterpieces and enhance your grasp of the historical and artistic narratives they represent. After delving into the gallery's artistic marvels, take a moment to relax at the café situated on the Uffizi Gallery’s terrace. The café offers a tranquil setting where you can enjoy a variety of refreshments while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. The terrace provides an excellent vantage point for capturing stunning photographs of the city's historic skyline.

Includes

Priority Entry Tickets Professional Guide Luggage Storage

Important Information

• Close to public transport If the time you choose is not available, you will be transferred to another time on the same day. These changes do not depend on us. Therefore by booking you are aware of this possible change and therefore we warn you so as not to have complaints later, or requests for refunds, which will not be taken into consideration. Example: If you choose the 9:30 am time slot and the Uffizi ticket office closes at that time you will be moved to the first available slot, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm or 3:00 pm. Thank you. Skip the Line included, means you'll be in the fast line, not that you won't have anyone in front of you It is not advisable to book tours on the same day, with closing times Please leave a Whatsapp number where you will be contacted by our support once you have booked the tour with us Important notice for last minute bookings (on the same day or from one day to the next): in case of lack of seats the customer will be placed on the day following the booked date.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund