UFFIZI PALACE

An architectural artwork, sheltering masterpieces of inestimable value, the Uffizi Palace is one of the most admired monuments of Florence. The Palace was designed by Giorgio Vasari around the middle of the 16th century after being commissioned by Cosimo I. Sadly, some of the surrounding buildings including the San Pier Scheraggio Church need to be demolished to make space for the realization of this project.

The Palace was built with the intention of hosting the thirteen administrative Uffizi, meaning judicial magistrate, and therefore is derived its name. When Vasari died, before the completion of the Palace, the job was given to Buontalenti and Alfonso Parigi. In 1586, the Teatro Mediceo was projected by Buontalenti for will of Francesco I, the son of Cosimo I.

This theatre also served as the seat of the senate while Florence was the capital of Italy. The building is U shaped, or “horseshoe”, has two floors and opens up towards the Arno River. A large corridor with six high arched windows overlooking the courtyard and the Arno, conjoins the two bodies of the building which are parallel. In the portico, which runs along the whole length of the Palace and sustained by pillars, you can find statues of famous Florentines in all the niches representing the time period from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century.