Archive for 'Museums & Galleries'

The Uffizi Gallery, in Florence, is one of the most extraordinary museums in the world and we have published various posts on the gallery itself, tips on visiting it and lists of highlights of the collections. However, there are also singular highlights, specific works, from the collection that deserve more of a word count and more consideration. One such piece is Artemisia Gentileschi's “Judith Slaying Holofernes”. One of the rare female painters of her time, a gifted artist and a fascinating person, she is an intriguing (and often overlooked) figure and this work, in particular, is intertwined with her life story and, thus, especially interesting. Just find a vacation rental in Florence, visit the gallery and make a point of seeking out this wonderful work of art.

Having recently spent hours in the Uffizi Gallery, I have learned a lot through error from the experience and picked up some great tips for making sure I have a much more relaxed time during my next visit. If you have found a vacation rental in the Florence area, the Uffizi is, no doubt, on your itinerary. Read up on my tips and tricks in the last post and this one and make sure that you have a lovely day at one of the world's most incredible art galleries.

4. Avoid the groups

I suggested booking as a group but I would also try avoiding the big groups as they can really hamper your experience. Every time I spotted them, I changed direction as they get in the way and it is impossible to see anything.

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery was one of the highlights of my recent trip to Tuscany but having read so much about it in the past, I found that it was a very different experience actually going there and I learned quite a few things in the process. Here are my practical tips for visiting the Uffizi once you have found a vacation rental in the Florence area.

1. Book Tickets In Advance

I always say this in guides but it really is true. We had booked our tickets in advance and we still found ourselves approaching a rather depressingly long line. However, it moved quite quickly and we were in in no time.

The Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence is a beautiful museum that is home to endless Renaissance masterpieces by some of the most famous artists of the period. These works include Michelangelo's incredibly iconic “David” and many other works that relate to the artist's career and process. However, while the gallery is an excellent place to visit to learn more about Michelangelo, in particular, there are lots of other important artists represented by the collection that you shouldn't miss out on; including Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Paolo Uccello, among others.

Just find a luxury villa in Florence and discover this astounding museum for yourself!

7. Madonna del Mare, Botticelli, between c.1475 and c.1480

While the exact attribution of this work is debated, it is still currently assumed to be an early work by Botticelli.

The Galleria dell'Accademia is one of Florence's most exceptional museums and is most famous as the home of Michelangelo's “David”. While the museum is home to works by other Renaissance Masters such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Paolo Uccello and while there is more to see beyond the “David”, the gallery is especially interesting to fans of Michelangelo as it has works by, after and in progress by the artist. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and discover the masterpieces within for yourself! This next work in our pick of must-sees in the gallery, also has a Michelangelo connection.

5. Palestrina Pietà, Unknown, c.1555

The Palestrina Pietà is a marble sculpture made around c. 1555, dating to a period that is known as the Italian High Renaissance. Formerly attributed to Michelangelo, it is now almost universally accepted that it must have been completed by someone else, such as Niccolò Menghini or Gian Lorenzo Bernini.