Uffizi (and the statue of David)

The Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) in Florence

It is foolish to visit Florence and not step foot in the Uffizi Gallery. This museum holds some of the most important pieces of art in human history. According to our guide, it was also virtually the first public museum in history. Of course you had to be of some status to enter. The Birth of Venus by Botticelli is one of those pieces. He was commissioned by the Medici in 1486.

The hall ways are lined with statues and rooms that are filled with some of the most exquisite art you will ever see. I could spend hours upon hours gazing at the ceilings, let alone the paintings on the walls. If you are feeling up to it, you can have lunch on the patio. It is a great view of the city and,hey, it is eating lunch at the Uffizi. Watch out for the birds. They may be little, but they are relentless. 

 The square right outside the Uffizi is filled with statues and is quite a marvel in itself.

Now to the Accademia. It is much smaller than the Uffizi and the main attraction is David. The statue is truly remarkable. I had the perception of it being big, but not that big. The detail Michelangelo placed on that piece of art is why it is one of the most famous statues in history. 

It is a good idea to get your tickets beforehand, unless you like waiting in very long lines. These places are always busy. For the Accademia we still ended up waiting 30 minutes even with our tickets. Those who did not were waiting in line for a solid 3 hours.

Do you think you know a thing or two about art? Test your Renaissance art knowledge:Play Quiz: Italian Renaissance: Art Matching now!