The Palazzo degli Uffizi in Florence - the seat of the Museum

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is not just admiring the art treasures that the Florentine museum contains. The Palazzo degli Uffizi in Florence in itself represents an architectural work to be discovered.

First, the building that houses the museum, the Palazzo degli Uffizi is Very important from an architectural point of view. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari who began work in 1560. The project was commissioned by Cosimo de 'Medici as the seat of the Arts and the Magistrates. The large Renaissance building was therefore a project by Giorgio Vasari and was built between 1560 and 1580. The exhibition part occupies the entire first and second floor of the building permanently.

The singular U shape that delimits the space of the homonymous square of the Uffizi, distinguishes it and makes it unique in its kind. The long sides branch off from Piazza della Signoria towards the river bank and are characterized on the ground floor by a large and airy portico with doric columns and barrel vaults. On the first floor the building is articulated with modules with three repeating squares, while on the second floor the glazed galleries run. The floors are divided by majestic string courses.

The architectural elements are underlined by the use of pietra serena in contrast with the white plaster.

The short side of the palace, on the other hand, runs parallel to the Arno river. This side is empty on the ground with a large arch that scenically frames the view of the Arno surmounted by an open loggia with windows on both sides. Opposite the short side, the square remains open with a perspective opening. This gives a perfect shot of the Palazzo della Signoria and the Arnolfo Tower.