What is the Uffizi?
The Uffizi in Florence is one of the world's most famous art galleries and is known as the home of Renaissance art. The Uffizi building itself was built during the Renaissance period - it was started by Cosimo de Medici in the 16th century as the administrative centre for the city (hence the name Uffizi, meaning 'offices'). He and his Medici descendants filled it with artworks until 1737 when the Medici dynasty ended, after which it was opened to the public.
What is the Uffizi like?
I hate to say this, but it wasn't a pleasant experience. This was mainly because of the poor signage and the rudeness of the staff - they were unbelievably unhelpful and miserable. It's also an unusual place - it's the 27th most visited art gallery in the world but it's a historic old complex that wasn't built to accommodate 4 million people every year. BUT it is very beautiful and it contains some real treasures of art, so it was well worth the hassle.
Where is the Uffizi?
Florence, Italy
When did we go?
March 2023
How did we get there?
We flew to Pisa, where we visited the Leaning Tower, and then caught a train to Florence. The train journey was very simple and took around an hour. We also saw Florence's Duomo (112) and the Galleria dell'Accademia (356).
Worth noting:
The most famous painting in the Uffizi is probably Birth of Venus by Botticelli (below), along with Medusa by Caravaggio and Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci, but there are thousands of pieces to see.
What was the Uffizi's place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
72. It moved down 90 places.
Does the Uffizi deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
Yes - the Uffizi is the home of Renaissance art in the city that is the home of Renaissance art. I would put it lower on the list though.
