During our recent trip to Florence, Italy we visited one of the world’s coolest art museums – the Uffizi Gallery.
The second day in Florence was the day we would explore all of the Renaissance art. After all, this plan was 32 years in the making.
The Accademia Gallery was first on our agenda. You can’t visit Florence without seeing Michelangelo’s David. It’s just not possible.
While the Accademia Gallery is relatively small as far as famous art museums go, it houses some impressive pieces.
We took this opportunity to sit and spend some time actually soaking in everything that is Michelangelo’s sculpture – David. We sat on the bench behind the sculpture for about thirty minutes, just staring in awe. It was an experience I will never forget.
Simply being in the presence of this piece impacts your very soul. To know that one person carved something so elegant, so beautiful, from a piece of stone is simply awe inspiring.
What makes this museum even better is the fact that they have some of Michelangelo’s unfinished pieces. It is amazing to see how he brought his subjects to life from a big chunk of stone. These unfinished pieces show his attention to detail.
The gallery has a variety of sculptures and paintings that should not be bypassed. David just happens to be the most famous piece housed in the Accademia.
Visiting the Uffizi Gallery was next on our agenda. While we did wait to purchase tickets, you don’t have to. In fact, we recommend not waiting if you are traveling during a busier season. We visited during early January so the wait was relatively short (approximately 30 minutes). However, during peak travel seasons there is the possibility you may not be able to get in. We strongly advise that you purchase tickets ahead of time online.
Also, as a bonus budget-friendly tip, if you are traveling with a student 18 or under they qualify for free admission. Be sure to get more information about this when you purchase tickets.
The Uffizi Gallery was a complete surprise. While we new it housed many famous pieces of art, we had no idea of its scope.
Uffizi actually translates to offices in Italian. And, that is what this building originally was. It was constructed by the Medici family who wanted to create a central location for important Florentine offices. These offices were converted to, what is today, the Uffizi Gallery.
The building is deceiving. As you enter, you think you are entering a typical rectangle building. What you are actually entering is a U-shaped structure that spans three floors!
Of course, the Uffizi is best known for Botticelli’s Primavera and Birth of Venus. However, this gallery is home to so much more. Works by artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, Carravagio, Giotto, and even da Vinci.
Something we quickly discovered was that the views from the Uffizi are absolutely amazing! If you visit, be sure to peek out the windows as you go. And, if you really want a great view of the roof tops of Florence, including the Duomo and the Medici Palace, be sure to visit the Uffizi’s rooftop cafe! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
While many people think you have to visit the museums to see the art, that’s simply not the case in Florence. In fact, there is art everywhere in this city.
Be sure to check out the Loggia deli Lanzi where you can see Cellini’s Perseus holding the head of Medusa. Or, see a replica of Michelangelo’s David at Piazzale Michelangelo.
While you are waiting to enter the Uffizi Gallery be sure to check out one of Florence’s most famous works of art, the Ponte Vecchio, which crosses the Arno River. This bridge was destroyed in the 1200’s, but reconstruction started in 1345 to reveal the bridge we know today.
Art is around every corner in Florence. After all, it’s the birthplace of the Renaissance.
If you want to know more about our visit to the Accademia and Uffizi galleries, check out our latest video. Link here.
Want more information on how to combat jet lag? Check out our post Florence, Italy – Day 1 .
And remember, break the monotony, not the bank.
— Marnie and Jeff
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