The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the most important and most visited museums in the world. Located in the heart of the historic center, between Piazza della Signoria and the Arno River, it houses an extraordinary collection of masterpieces that trace the evolution of Western art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, with works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.

Built in the 16th century based on a design by Giorgio Vasari, at the request of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Gallery was originally intended to host the city’s administrative offices (the “Uffizi”). Over time, it evolved into one of the first modern museums in Europe.

Opening Hours of the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is open year-round with the following schedule:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm
• Last admission: 5:30 pm

Closed on:

• Mondays
• January 1st
• December 25th

On the first Sunday of each month, admission is free. However, visitor numbers are extremely high and online reservations are not available on those days.

Must-See Masterpieces at the Uffizi

The Uffizi collection is vast, and a complete visit would take several days. However, some works are considered unmissable:

• The Birth of Venus – Sandro Botticelli
• Primavera – Sandro Botticelli
• Annunciation – Leonardo da Vinci
• Doni Tondo – Michelangelo Buonarroti
• Madonna of the Goldfinch – Raphael
• Venus of Urbino – Titian
• Medusa – Caravaggio
• Judith Beheading Holofernes – Artemisia Gentileschi
• Ognissanti Madonna – Giotto
• Diptych of the Dukes of Urbino – Piero della Francesca

These masterpieces represent pivotal moments in Italian and European art history and are among the most sought-after works by visitors.

How Much Time Is Needed to Visit the Uffizi?

• Quick visit (highlights only): 2 hours
• Recommended visit: 3–4 hours
• In-depth visit: half a day or more

The Gallery features over 100 exhibition rooms and more than 13,000 square meters of exhibition space. Planning your visit in advance is essential to avoid fatigue and fully enjoy the artworks.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is ticket reservation mandatory?

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended, especially during high season. Without a reservation, queues can exceed two hours.

Is admission free?

Yes, for:

• Visitors under 18
• The first Sunday of each month

Reduced fares are also available for visitors aged 18–25, in accordance with Italian state museum regulations.

Are there security checks?

Yes. All visitors must pass through a metal detector. Large backpacks and bags must be left at the free cloakroom.

Are photos allowed inside the museum?

Yes, amateur photos and videos are allowed without:

• Flash
• Tripods
• Selfie sticks

Is the Uffizi accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. Elevators, dedicated routes, and support services are available to ensure accessibility.

Is it possible to eat inside the museum?

Food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibition rooms, but a panoramic café is available within the museum complex.

Why Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery means embarking on a unique journey through the history of art, surrounded by masterpieces that shaped the birth of the Renaissance and influenced European culture for centuries. It is an essential stop for anyone visiting Florence and one of the most iconic museums in the world.

The Vasari Corridor: History and Visit

Origins and Historical Function

The Vasari Corridor is one of the most famous and fascinating elevated passageways in Europe. It was built in 1565 at the request of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici to celebrate the marriage of his son Francesco I to Joanna of Austria. The project was entrusted to Giorgio Vasari, who completed the work in just a few months.

The corridor served a political and strategic purpose: allowing the Medici family to move safely and discreetly from **Palazzo Vecchio**, the seat of political power, to Palazzo Pitti, the grand ducal residence, passing through the Uffizi. The route, approximately 750 meters long, crosses iconic landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio, without ever descending to street level.

Architecturally, the corridor is simple yet highly evocative. Rectangular windows overlooking the Arno River and panoramic windows on Ponte Vecchio (enlarged in the 17th century) offered the Medici a privileged view of the city while maintaining complete separation from the public. Over the centuries, the corridor was enriched with an extraordinary collection of artists’ self-portraits, one of the most important in the world.

The Vasari Corridor Today

After years of closure for restoration and safety upgrades, the Vasari Corridor has reopened to the public under regulated conditions. Today it is not merely a passageway, but a true museum route, narrating the power of the Medici family, Renaissance Florence, and the dialogue between art and architecture.

The current layout is more minimal than in the past, allowing visitors to focus on the spatial experience of the corridor itself, its unique city views, and its strong symbolic value.

How to Visit the Vasari Corridor

• Access: Entry is from the Uffizi Gallery, with exit at Palazzo Pitti (or vice versa, depending on the established route).
• Ticket: Visits generally require mandatory advance booking and are tied to specific time slots. The ticket may be separate or combined with the Uffizi ticket, depending on current regulations.
• Limited number of visitors: Access is restricted for safety and conservation reasons.

Useful tips:

•  Book well in advance: availability is limited and demand is very high
•  Wear comfortable shoes: the entire route is on foot
• Photography is usually allowed without flash, but rules should always be checked before visiting
• Accessibility: some limitations may apply for visitors with reduced mobility; advance information is recommended

 Why Visit the Vasari Corridor

Visiting the Vasari Corridor means walking through Medici Florence, along a route designed for power, representation, and control of the city. It is a unique experience combining history, art, architecture, and urban landscape, offering unforgettable panoramic views over the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio.