Top 3 Must-sees in Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

The U-shaped Palazzo degli Uffizi was built between 1560 to 1580 that was used to house government offices. Today, it houses the world's greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art. The collection, which was originally the Medici family's private collection, was bequeathed to the city in 1743. The expansive collection contains some of Italy's best-known paintings. Download the Uffizi Gallery Travel Guide and Offline Map and discover art at its finest.

1.     Tuscan Masters: 13th to 14th Centuries

As you arrive in the Primo Corridoio on the second floor, you will be greeted by Rooms 2 to 7, which are dedicated to pre- and early Renaissance Tuscan art. Among the 13th-century Sienese works displayed in Room 2 are three large altarpieces from Florentine churches by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Cimabue, and Giotto. These clearly reflect the transition from the Gothic to the nascent Renaissance style.

2.      Renaissance Pioneers

Florence's victory over the Sienese at the Battle of San Romano, near Pisa, in 1432, is brought to life with outstanding realism and increased use of perspective in Paolo Uccello's magnificent Battaglia di San Romano in Room 8. In the same room, don't miss the notable Madonna con Bambino e due angeli (Madonna and Child with Two Angels) by Fra' Filippo Lippi, a scandalous Carmelite monk who married a nun from Prato.

3.     Botticelli Room

The spectacular Sala del Botticelli is one of the Uffizi's most visited rooms. Of the 18 Botticelli works displayed in the Uffizi in all, the iconic La nascita di Venere (The Birth of Venus), Primavera (Spring) and Madonna del Magnificat (Madonna of the Magnificat) are the best known by the Renaissance master known for his ethereal figures.

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Florence, One of Italy’s Tourism Trinity

When one thinks of must-see places in Italy, one of the country’s tourism trinity of Rome, Venice, or Florence is often the first city to come into mind. This post will be focusing on the reasons why you should visit Florence. To make things easier and simpler you can also refer to this Florence Travel Guide and Offline City Street Map. Duomo - Santa Maria del Fiore

The Duomo of Florence is the 4th largest cathedral in the world beat in size only by St. Peter's in Rome, St. Paul's in London, and the Duomo of Milan. You can see at least part of it from almost any part of the city as it seems to tower over every other structure. This beautiful church is an architectural wonder you need to feast your eyes on.

OMG! Florence Duomo ceiling!

Piazzale Michelangelo

You can have the best view of the city after you climb the stairs of the Piazzale Michelangelo. The panoramic view of the whole city is truly remarkable and unforgettable. It is also the best place to take photos with the elegance of the city in the background.

Old Town

Old town is the best shopping destination in the city. It is a huge area with narrow winding streets and shops and cafes every few corners. You can find plenty of local foods and goods here. It is the perfect place to get souvenirs and just wander around taking photos.

Be amazed by Florence skylines

Museums

Florence has a few famous museums with the Uffizi Gallery being the most popular. The huge building in itself is amazing but its art collection of paintings and sculptures is simply jaw dropping. You can spend half a day looking at the artworks and you will still not be able to see everything. The huge size of the museum also allows it to accommodate huge crowds thus eliminating the need to queue in line.

Wine Tour

If you love wine then you need to take one of the several wine tours offered in Florence. A wine tour will allow you to taste several authentic Florence wine at a very low budget. You will also learn plenty of things about the history of Italian wine while on the tour.

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5 Good Reasons to visit Tuscany, Italy’s Center of Artistic Heritage and Landscapes

If you love traveling because of the beautiful landscapes and artistic heritage found on various locations around the world then Tuscany should definitely be on your bucket list. It is an enchanting region with a mild weather all year round. And don’t forget to download the Tuscany Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map so you won’t have to carry huge maps or think travel guides during your vacation. Centennial History

The historical, cultural, and artistic heritage of Tuscany is unparalleled in the whole region. Countless hamlets, cathedrals, castles, churches, walls, domes, and ruins showcase this rich history. The region is a treasure throve for historians and archaeologists as most of its ancient structures are well preserved with some dating as far back as the Paleolithic era when humans first inhabited the area.

Artistic Legacy

Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance. Countless pieces of art can be seen all over the region primarily in museums, churches, art galleries, and sometimes even on the streets. Famous Tuscany-born personalities include:

• Painters Giotto and Botticelli
• Sculptors Brunelleschi and Michelangelo
• Musician Puccini
• Writer Dante Alighieri
• The “father of modern physics” Galileo Galilee
• The polymath Genius Leonardo da Vinci

Historical Cities

If you plan on going on a long vacation and visit as many splendid cities as possible then you can’t go wrong with Tuscany. The region has three UNESCO World Heritage sites namely:

• The historic center of Florence and Siena
• Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa
• Medici Villas and Gardens

Visit Siena Historic Center

Ancient Hill-top Hamlets

There are numerous villages in Tuscany that are set on the top of a hill or the side of a mountain. The unique environment in these villages leads to unique city features. The elevation also provides a distinct panoramic view of the surrounding hills and mountains as well as the nearby cities.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Tuscany is made up of such a wide variety of landscapes you can spend a week traveling around the region and still not manage to visit all of them. A few of the most popular landscapes include:

• The gentle rolling hills of Val d’Orcia
• The Chianti wine region
• The Apennines, the ski area of Tuscany
• The gentle hills around Pisa
• The coastal area of the Etruscan Coast
• Bolgheri, home of the Super Tuscan wine
• The Apuan Alps
• The beautiful unknown regions of Lunigiana and Garfagnana

Be awe with Tuscany Chianti Region

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