Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour - A journey through the timeline of art history

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most celebrated, and valued museums in the world. Constructed in the late 1500s as governmental offices, commissioned by the Medici Grand Duke, Cosimo I and executed by his architect, Giorgio Vasari. In 1743 the Medici family bequeathed the collection to the city, on the condition that it could never leave Florence. Today this collection belongs to the Uffizi Gallery and contains some of Italy’s most renowned artworks. An open-air courtyard known as the Uffizi Loggia, presents niches with sculptures of ‘Great Tuscans’ and other illustrious personalities. It was completed around 1850 during the Italian Risorgimento corresponding to the phase preceding Italy's Unification. One of the most notable statues depicts historian and philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli , executed by the then leading sculptor  Lorenzo Bartolini. 

The Uffizi is a place like no other, full of dazzling classical masterpieces all exhibited in unique architecture through elevated corridors, boasting unforgettable views of Florence and the Arno river, that was originally built in the 16th century to house the offices of the Florentine magistrates, and later converted into a museum in the 18th century. The art gallery is situated in the heart of Florence, near the Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. The ensemble of ‘sublime beauty’ could cause malaise, known as the Stendhal Syndrome. Step into the Uffizi at your own risk, there is a reason why it is also referred to as Florence Syndrome! 

About this Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour:

Prepare yourself for a fascinating journey through the world-famous collection that spans the entire timeline of art history. 

The unique itinerary will guide you through the main evolutions of the arts, from pre-early Renaissance Tuscan art, for example Giotto’s Maestà di Ognissanti ("Ognissanti Madonna"), to the Renaissance pioneers including Piero Della Francesca’s famous profile portrait of the Dukes of Urbino and Paolo Uccello’s magnificent Battle of San Romano.

Then the guided tour proceeds on to the spectacular room dedicated to Botticelli’s iconic works of art like the 'Birth of Venus' and the 'Primavera', to the Great Masters of the High Renaissance and Mannerism Michelangelo, with the 'Tondo Doni' one of his most famous paintings, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, with some of his notable masterpieces on display like the 'Adoration of the Magi' and the 'Annunciation'.

Things to consider for a quality experience at the Uffizi during high tourist season: 

• It is advised to avoid booking the tour on Tuesdays, it is the busiest day as the Uffizi is closed on Monday. 
• Even with a ticket reservation, a queue could be expected on any day of the week. 
• To reduce the likelihood of a queue, it is suggested to reserve an early morning tour: 8.15am or a late afternoon visit from 4pm (avoiding entry between 9am- 4pm).
• In July and August, take advantage of the prolonged 10pm closing time, with a tour at dusk. 

Further Suggestions for your visit to the Uffizi Gallery:

• Consider purchasing the combined ‘passepartout’ ticket that offers one single admission to each of the following: the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery and Boboli garden with priority, valid for 5 consecutive days (38€).
• Stay tuned for the reopening of the Vasarian Corridor announced for May 2024.