Uffizi Gallery

The Galleria degli Uffizi opened to the public in 1769 and holds the world's most complete collection of Italian Renaissance painting — Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio. Originally designed by Giorgio Vasari as offices ("uffizi") for the Medici grand-ducal administration in 1560, the building was converted into a gallery in 1581 to display Francesco I de' Medici's personal collection.

Five paintings worth budgeting time for: Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera (Room 10–14); Leonardo's Annunciation (Room 15); Michelangelo's Doni Tondo (Room 35, his only complete panel painting); Raphael's Madonna of the Goldfinch (Room 66); and Caravaggio's Medusa (Room 90, painted on a shield). Allow 3 hours to do the gallery justice; 2 hours if you skip the 100+ minor rooms.

Booking online is essential — same-day tickets in summer disappear by 09:00. Standard adult ticket €25 (Nov–Feb €12). First Sunday of the month is free — but the queue runs three hours from 08:00. The Vasari Corridor connecting the Uffizi to Palazzo Pitti reopened in 2024 (€45 with combined ticket). Closed Mondays. Photography allowed without flash.