When thinking of Florence, one name repeatedly comes to mind: Medici. The Medici’s were arguably the most powerful family in Tuscany, in Italy from the thirteenth to the seventh centuries.
The Medici’s expanded the territory of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany during their rule through military might, political influence, and simple timing as many smaller towns were ravaged by the Plague and suddenly found the advances of Florence more affable in their weakened state. The Medici’s many contributions to the city are still standing as a testament to their rule. One of the most notable of these landmarks is the Palazzo degli Uffizi, sitting serenely off of the Piazza della Signoria across from the Palazzo Vecchio.
Construction on the Uffizi began in 1560 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I de’Medici. His trusted architect Giorgio Vasari designed and oversaw the construction of the Palazzo degli Uffizi. The original intent of the Palazzo was to house the offices of the city magistrates, but slowly the halls and the rooms of the Uffizi were transformed to house the ever growing collection of art that the Medici’s procured.
The Medici’s expanded the territory of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany during their rule through military might, political influence, and simple timing as many smaller towns were ravaged by the Plague and suddenly found the advances of Florence more affable in their weakened state. The Medici’s many contributions to the city are still standing as a testament to their rule. One of the most notable of these landmarks is the Palazzo degli Uffizi, sitting serenely off of the Piazza della Signoria across from the Palazzo Vecchio.
Construction on the Uffizi began in 1560 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I de’Medici. His trusted architect Giorgio Vasari designed and oversaw the construction of the Palazzo degli Uffizi. The original intent of the Palazzo was to house the offices of the city magistrates, but slowly the halls and the rooms of the Uffizi were transformed to house the ever growing collection of art that the Medici’s procured.
The evolution from government offices to museum was a steady one, and finally the Medici line came down to a single heiress, Anna Maria Lodovica, it was willed to the people of Florence along with all of it’s fabulous collections.
Today the Uffizi sees a vast majority of the tourists that come to Florence. Tuscany Villas offers a good selection of villas and apartments in and around Florence. In the peak seasons the lines can be as long as a five-hour wait. The savvy traveler will call ahead or book online for a reservation to the Uffizi; there will still be a wait but a greatly reduced one than just showing up. The admission to the Uffizi is €10.00 and for the priceless collection of art you will be able to view is well worth it. If your stay lasts awhile, there is a café available on the upper level that offers an amazing view of the Piazza della Signoria. Like many tourist traps, it’s expensive but the view can’t be beat.
The Uffizi is now open on Tuesdays until 10:00pm. These late hours began on July 1st and will stay in place until September 30th. Make sure to utilize these late hours if possible, as you may be able to avoid the heavier hours during the day as many travelers may not be aware of this.
You can get more information and tickets online at the official website for the Uffizi.
Today the Uffizi sees a vast majority of the tourists that come to Florence. Tuscany Villas offers a good selection of villas and apartments in and around Florence. In the peak seasons the lines can be as long as a five-hour wait. The savvy traveler will call ahead or book online for a reservation to the Uffizi; there will still be a wait but a greatly reduced one than just showing up. The admission to the Uffizi is €10.00 and for the priceless collection of art you will be able to view is well worth it. If your stay lasts awhile, there is a café available on the upper level that offers an amazing view of the Piazza della Signoria. Like many tourist traps, it’s expensive but the view can’t be beat.
The Uffizi is now open on Tuesdays until 10:00pm. These late hours began on July 1st and will stay in place until September 30th. Make sure to utilize these late hours if possible, as you may be able to avoid the heavier hours during the day as many travelers may not be aware of this.
You can get more information and tickets online at the official website for the Uffizi.