• - Skip the line Uffizi tickets
• - English-speaking guide with expertise in art history
• - Maximum group size of 16
• - Guided tour of the masterpieces inside the Uffizi

COMPARE ALL FLORENCE TOURS

History of the Uffizi

The Uffizi’s construction was ordered in 1560 by Cosimo I de’ Medici (known as Cosimo the Great and the first Grand Duke of Tuscany) to house the administrative and judiciary offices of Florence. At the time, the Medici family’s influence in Florence was extremely powerful. If it wasn't for this wealthy family of Florentine bankers, it's difficult to imagine that the Renaissance would’ve happened when it did! Beyond collectors, the Medici were great patrons of art, and without their patronage, many of these works might never have been created at all. 

Botticelli's Birth of Venus 

One of the most featured artists at the museum is Sandro Botticelli - whose masterpieces Primavera and The Birth of Venus are both featured at the Uffizi. You don’t have to be a seasoned sightseer to recognize The Birth of Venus, which depicts the goddess Venus being carried ashore in a giant seashell. For visitors with more in-depth art history knowledge, the opportunity to admire the painting’s vibrant composition in person is precious. Botticelli’s Primavera depicts the arrival of Spring with dancing gods and muses in an enchanted garden. 

Caravaggio’s Medusa

Along with The Birth of Venus, Caravaggio’s Medusa is the work people most associate with the Uffizi Gallery. A gripping study of the dark mythological figure with snakes in her hair, the round painting is also an excellent example of Caravaggio’s revolutionary approach to the game between light and dark. As you gaze into Medusa's eyes, she appears to stare back at you. Don’t look for too long though - you might turn to stone! 

Michelangelo’s Holy Family

Michelangelo’s Holy Family painting dates back to the same time period as his David statue. One of the few examples of Michelangelo’s painting, together with the breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, the Doni Tondo also laid the foundations of Mannerism, also known as Late Renaissance. This style of European art featured bizarre, striking poses and iridescent colors. These characteristics are clearly present in the Doni Tondo by Michelangelo. 

These highlights are just a few of the world-class works of art housed at the Uffizi. Let an expert guide lead you on a journey into art and history as they share the important stories behind each painting and their context within Florentine and Italian culture.