Florence Tours: Galleria degli Uffizi

Our focus at The International Kitchen will always be unique culinary vacations and holidays, but we also know that travelers love to explore a country’s culture in other ways. Florence is home to some of the world’s premier art, which you can explore on a trip to Florence in such amazing museums as the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Palazzo Pitti, the Bargello, and of course the must-see Galleria degli Uffizi.

These museums area some of our favorite things to see in Florence, and the Galleria degli Uffizi is perhaps the most famous of the lot.

The function of the Uffizi has changed since it was built in 1581 at the request of Granduca Francisco de Medici. It started as a place for bureaucratic meetings and later it held scientific instruments as well as a pharmacy. The display of artwork started in the 17th century with self portraits, and today it is one of the largest collections on display.

Sculptures were added around 1737 when the Medici dynasty ended and the Lorena family renovated the Uffizi. Halls were specifically designed to house beautiful archaeological pieces. Over the years, modern pieces were added to the rooms, including many Botticelli works, such as “The Birth of Venus,” works by Leonardo da Vinci (“The Annunciation,” “The Adoration of the Magi”), Michelangelo’s “Holy Family,” and masterpieces by Raphael, Giotto, Titian, Cimabue, and more.

Today, the Galleria degli Uffizi is a treasure trove full of beautiful pieces, and a look into the history of Florence, Italy, and beyond. We can organize a guided visit of the gallery for you as part of a Florence for the Food Lover tour or during a custom-made itinerary. One masterpiece you won’t see in the Uffizi though is Michelangelo’s David statue, which will entail a visit to the city’s Galleria dell’Accademia. You can also explore the wonderful Bargello museum, home to Donatello’s “David” statue, and the beautiful collect of the Palazzo Pitti in the Oltrarno neighborhood of Florence.

Enjoy Florence during our Florence for the Food Lover culinary vacation or A Classic Tuscan Table at Villa Casagrande, which also includes 2 days in Florence.

And if you’re lucky enough to enjoy a longer stay in Florence, you can use it as a starting point for other day trips, such as a day trip to Pisa!

Or see more top day trips from Florence by train.

By Peg Kern

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