Latest news with #Uffizi
The Guardian
4 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
Florence finally to be rid of notorious 60-metre crane after two decades
A giant crane that has blighted the skyline of Florence for almost 20 years is finally to be removed. The controversial structure, described as 'a metal monster', has stood in the centre of the Tuscan capital since 2006, when it was installed in a square opposite the Uffizi Galleries – famous for sublime artworks of the Italian renaissance – and tasked with doing the heavy lifting of materials during the initial phase of the museum's ongoing expansion. At more than 60 metres tall and visible from miles away, the crane was used less and less as the construction works dragged on, but there it remained despite numerous attempts to have it removed over its incongruity with the Florence landscape. Over time, the crane not only became a target of mockery, with an Instagram account set up for this purpose, but also the ultimate symbol of Italy's notoriously sluggish bureaucracy. The main thing holding back the crane's removal has been the huge cost but also the permissions required from the various levels of authority. But after some of the city's entrepreneurs responded to an appeal by the Uffizi's exasperated director, Simone Verde, and clubbed together to cover the bill, the dismantling of the crane will finally begin on 16 June, culminating in a celebration on the terrace of the galleries' Loggia dei Lanzi on 21 June. Such is the importance of the occasion, the event will also be attended by Italy's culture minister, Alessandro Giuli. 'Florence has been waiting for this moment for a long time,' said Verde. 'The metal monster is being removed and Florence's dazzling beauty can finally return intact and unviolated.' Verde added that the 'havoc' caused by the crane had been weighing on the city for far too long, and that he hoped the momentous occasion would mark the beginning of the end of 'this cursed construction site'. Part of the total €180,000 (£152,000) cost will also be used to replace the crane with a less invasive and more sustainable hoist, allowing the works to finally be completed without sullying the city's aesthetics. 'This operation confirms that good administration can triumph despite everything,' said Verde. 'It also testifies that the Uffizi has the capacity to be a model for cultural efficiency and a true flag for Italy in the world.'
Los Angeles Times
15-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Find the Heart of the Renaissance in Gorgeous Florence, Italy
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a city of firsts: it was the birthplace of the Renaissance, home to artistic geniuses like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and the spot where the powerful Medici family bankrolled the cultural explosion that changed Western civilization forever. Florence was at the heart of a revival of art and literature during the Renaissance, making its nickname 'Cradle of the Renaissance' well-earned. So, it should come as no surprise that when it comes to destinations that blend history, art, and culture, few places can hold a candle to enchanting Florence. How lucky are we to have this Renaissance wonderland just a plane ride away? Florence is a wellspring of art and history, boasting the largest selection of Renaissance art in the world. Let's face it, your daytime adventures should absolutely include visits to these iconic spots. Next time you're there, experience the city in ways that will make your Instagram followers green with envy. While it's true that many European cities have impressive cathedrals, the Florence Cathedral – formally known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower – remains among the most jaw-dropping architectural feats in the world. The massive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi towers over the city (it's literally the highest building in Florence) and gives the cathedral its nickname 'Il Duomo.' To get a sense of scale, the dome required over 4 million bricks to construct! The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, located nearby, houses the original panels from Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, adding another layer of historical significance to the site. Try the climb to the top – 463 steps of quad-burning exertion – where you'll witness views of the city that might be the most 'elevated' sightseeing you've ever experienced. Los Angeles has Hollywood, New York has Broadway, but Florence? Florence has the Uffizi, a world-renowned museum housing an unparalleled collection of Renaissance masterpieces that's been wowing visitors since 1581. That's right – this museum was open before the Mayflower even set sail! The Uffizi Gallery is the oldest purpose-built art gallery in the world. If you've ever wanted to feel the raw emotional power of Botticelli's The Birth of Venus or the genius of Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, you have 'art' blanche to do so. The Italian Renaissance is on full display here, and trust me, seeing these masterpieces in person beats any art history textbook by a mile. It's just a stone's throw from the Uffizi, AND it's one of the reasons Florence can claim superpower status in the art world: the famed Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall. The landmark building, possibly the most-recognized civic structure in Italy, is cool, sure, but doesn't exactly warrant a 'once-in-a-lifetime' moniker – that is, until you step inside and see the mind-blowing frescoes and sculptures that adorn nearly every surface. The Palazzo Vecchio was home to Florence's magistrates during the Renaissance. Don't miss the Salone dei Cinquecento, a grand hall used for ceremonies that'll make your living room feel like a broom closet by comparison. Florence is a city where art royalty reigns supreme, and the king himself stands tall in the Galleria dell'Accademia. That's where Michelangelo's 17-foot marble masterpiece David connects art enthusiasts with the genius of the Renaissance like no other sculpture can. The museum primarily showcases Italian Renaissance art from between 1300 and 1600, but let's be honest – you're there to see that perfectly chiseled hunk of marble that somehow looks more alive than most people you'll pass on the street. The Accademia Gallery was founded in 1784 as an art school, further cementing its role in Florence's artistic legacy. Los Angeles has Rodeo Drive, New York has Fifth Avenue, but Florence? Florence has the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge that's been the city's shopping hot spot since the 1400s. The landmark spans the Arno River and is lined with glittering jewelry shops that replaced the original (and probably much smellier) butcher shops. In addition to scoring some amazing finds, the bridge offers incredible views of the Arno. Florence is compact, making it possible to visit multiple museums and landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio in just a few days. To complement your journey through Italian cities, Exploring Venice and its iconic landmarks is another experience that shouldn't be missed. It's just half a mile from the bustling city center, AND it's one of the reasons Florence isn't just about indoor art: the famed Boboli Gardens, a sprawling Renaissance garden that stands in as the Central Park of Florence. The landmark green space, possibly the most-recognized historic garden in Italy, allows for an entirely unique perspective of both cultivated nature and sculptural art. In addition, wandering through the terraced landscapes connects you with some amazing sights, including fountains, grottos and beautiful natural formations that offer an idyllic escape from the city's bustle. The Palazzo Pitti, located nearby, contains several museums, including the Galleria Palatina, making this area a treasure trove of art and history. As the sun begins its descent, make your way to Piazza Michelangelo, where you'll witness what has to be one of the most breathtaking sunsets on planet Earth. While it's true the plaza was built in 1869 (practically yesterday by Florentine standards), the view from this vantage point is nothing short of magical. Try the 'Golden Hour Gathering' – when locals and tourists alike flock to this spot as the setting sun bathes the entire city in a warm glow – it might be the most share-worthy moment of your entire Italian adventure. Florentine culture encourages both personal and academic growth through its museums and historic sites, making moments like these even more enriching. Florence is a treasure trove of Renaissance sights, with stunning architecture, world class museums and historic landmarks that tell the story of a cultural rebirth. From Michelangelo's David to the grandeur of the Florence Cathedral and the art in the Uffizi Gallery, every corner of the city is a must see for art lovers and history buffs. Whether you're strolling through the Boboli Gardens or crossing the Ponte Vecchio, Florence is an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Renaissance that still inspires the world today.
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Associated Press
CiaoFlorence Enhances Cultural Offerings in Florence with Exclusive Art and History Tours
Two exceptional guided experiences that celebrate the city's artistic heritage, with the long-awaited reopening of the Vasari Corridor. FLORENCE, TUSCANY, ITALY, April 15, 2025 / / -- As Florence continues to attract art lovers from around the world, CiaoFlorence Tours & Travel enriches its cultural portfolio with two exceptional guided experiences that celebrate the city's artistic heritage and historical depth. With the long-awaited reopening of the Vasari Corridor, the company now offers privileged access to one of the Renaissance's most iconic architectural marvels through two new tours: 'Small Group Guided Tour of the Uffizi Gallery and the Vasari Corridor with Skip-the-Line Entrance' and 'The Great Beauty: Private Tour to Discover the Vasari Corridor and the Uffizi Gallery.' The Vasari Corridor, built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici, is an elevated passageway that connects Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti, passing through the Uffizi Gallery and over the Ponte Vecchio. Once reserved for the private use of the Medici family, the corridor offers a unique window into Florence's political and artistic past. After years of meticulous restoration, it has now reopened to the public—offering a rare opportunity to walk this secret route above the city. The Small Group Guided Tour offers an expertly led exploration of two of Florence's most iconic landmarks. Guests admire Renaissance masterpieces inside the Uffizi and then gain exclusive access to the Vasari Corridor, all in a comfortable, intimate group setting that ensures personalized attention and cultural depth. For travelers seeking a more private and customizable experience, The Great Beauty tour provides complete flexibility and one-on-one guidance. Ideal for art enthusiasts and curious explorers alike, this private option allows visitors to discover both the Uffizi and the corridor at their own pace, guided by a dedicated expert. With these two new tours, CiaoFlorence reaffirms its dedication to offering immersive, high-quality cultural experiences that bring Florence's history, art, and architecture to life. By granting access to the newly reopened Vasari Corridor - a space hidden from public view for decades - the company enhances its portfolio and reinforces its role as a cultural ambassador of the city. These curated experiences provide meaningful engagement with Florence's artistic heritage, allowing visitors to explore its masterpieces within their historical context and to experience firsthand the enduring legacy of the Medici era. Veronica Migliorini CiaoFlorence Tours and Travels srl +39 055 354044 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
Exploring Siena, Tuscany's other artistic masterpiece
This warren of narrow streets, some so tight that only the noon sunshine penetrates all the way down to the cobbles, is part gothic, part romanesque, and all beautiful. It's blessed with an embarrassment of architectural riches and wrapped up in wonderfully preserved medieval walls that hug the city tightly, an enchantingly compact tangle of sandstone and terracotta perched on a hill overlooking a quintessentially Tuscan landscape of olive groves and vineyards and winding gravel roads. In any other corner of the world, Siena would be the only show in town. Around here though, there are several noisy neighbours. And none makes more of a racket than Florence, 50 miles north, famously the birthplace of the Renaissance and home of the Medici, Michelangelo, Giotto and Leonardo da Vinci. These days, it's also famous for tourist tuk-tuks and newspaper stories about €25 ice-creams, as overtourism slowly erodes the city's appeal. Which is why it's better to avoid the roped-off processions of the Uffizi and choose Siena for an art lovers' city break instead. (And for anyone who can't make it to Chianti, the National Gallery in London will begin an extensive exhibition, Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350, in March. It will showcase the city's importance to European art and its vital role as a catalyst of change.) Given Florence's touristic predominance, it is not obvious to many that for a long time these two great Tuscan city-states were rivals. Neither on the coast or a great river, Siena was not the most obvious place for a prosperous city-state, but its strategic location on the route from Rome to the rest of Europe made it both economically and culturally important. Siena became one of the great urban centres of Italy, cementing its status with an unlikely military victory against the more numerous forces of Florence in 1260. That coup instilled the city with a confidence and a sense of identity that can still be seen nearly 800 years later. Funded by merchants, Siena's craftsmen and artists transformed the city with audacious public buildings and groundbreaking works of painting and sculpture in what would become known as the Sienese School. It isn't as widely appreciated these days as that which came after it, unfortunately, perhaps because it ended all too suddenly. After a period of prosperity and pre-eminence in the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena's luck ran out in 1348 when the Black Death arrived, eventually wiping out half of its population, including most of its artists and craftsmen. While work on its four miles of fortified walls – extended on a regular basis until then – was stopped in its tracks, its great rival, Florence, went on to dominate Tuscany and the late Renaissance. But it's no exaggeration to say that without Siena's influence, that great period of artistic revival would have looked very different. The cathedral's vaulted ceiling is dizzying, while its stunning mosaic floor is almost overwhelming in its intricacy The best place to get a sense of the Sienese School's importance is the city's gothic cathedral and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana (Cathedral Museum). The cathedral is worth a visit for its facade alone, with its emphasis on contrast and verticality, and its mixture of gothic ideals and classical influence. It is, like much of Siena, an antecedent to the coming Renaissance, especially in terms of its sculptural elements. The work of Giovanni Pisano, who has been referred to as the first modern sculptor, incorporated an expressive naturalism that was pioneering for the time. Inside, the cathedral's vaulted ceiling is dizzying, while its stunning mosaic floor is almost overwhelming in its intricacy. It took almost 200 years to complete, and the 16th-century painter and art historian Giorgio Vasari called it 'the most beautiful that ever was made'. But, as every self-respecting art fan will know, the cathedral's main attraction – what was once its altarpiece – now lies in the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà is a double-sided work of impressive scale, both figuratively and literally. It epitomises the Sienese School, infusing the gothic tradition with new ideas about expressionism and narrative and moving it away from the rigid symbolism of the past. In Duccio, you can see so much of what was to come – bold colours, imaginative composition, emotion. Given how influential art historians now hold him to be, it seems very unfair that Duccio di Buoninsegna isn't a household name. A couple of hundred metres from the Duomo, the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena (National Gallery of Siena) provides the most thorough overview of the city's artistic heritage, from the early days of the Sienese School and the transformation of the Renaissance to later works from the restrained, devout Counter-Reformation (or Catholic Reformation). It is the world's largest and most important collection of the era: Duccio features, of course, as do his contemporaries Simone Martini and the Lorenzetti brothers, Pietro and Ambrogio. It's an ideal place to compare and contrast the Siena style against the more familiar naturalistic, scientific approach of the Florentine Renaissance. Because for all their innovation, the Sienese masters always retained a strong connection to the byzantine and gothic. Their goal was never a realistic ideal, it was an elegantly stylised narrative meant to transcend daily life and inspire faith. Seeing so many masterpieces of the era in one place gives a fresh perspective on the developments, and motivations, that drove European art in that period. But even after all that, the most enchanting part of Siena's artistic appeal is the city itself. It is, in effect, an open-air museum, a maze of hidden frescoes, exquisitely carved fountains and crumbling arches, shaded alleys and sunny piazzas. In the busier months, Siena's main square, the Piazza del Campo, will be bustling with activity, but unlike so many of Italy's historic public spaces, it never feels cramped. Such is the scale of it – after all, they do use it to host a horse race, the Palio Di Siena (2 July and 16 August in 2025) – that you will always find a sunny spot to pitch up. The piazza is lined with restaurants and cocktail bars, but none are worth writing home about, and anyway, when the weather is good, it's hard to beat the simple pleasure of a takeaway sandwich and a cold beer. Siena is so incredibly intact, architecturally, that its 20th-century apartments seem to blend into the gothic surroundings unnoticed For the all-important postprandial coffee, leave the piazza and head one street over to the Via di Città, where you will find the Torrefazione Fiorella. Torrefazione means roaster in Italian, and they still roast their own selection of beans here, despite it being one of the smallest premises in the city. Suitably energised, and perhaps in need of a little variety after all that gothic goodness, a trip to one of Siena's Contrada museums is an excellent way to delve a little deeper into the city's history and culture. The 17 contrade are Siena's historic neighbourhoods, today most famously known for competing in the Palio horse race. Each has its own museum, full of quirky artefacts, local curiosities and, more importantly, a hall of victories where the contradas display their colourful trophy flags from the Palio. It's the ideal way to explore Siena's neighbourhoods with a little context – and along the way it will be almost impossible not to stumble upon a few artistic and architectural surprises. Siena is a place that can almost seem frozen in time. There are modern buildings, of course, but it's so incredibly intact, architecturally, that its 20th-century apartment buildings seem to blend into the gothic surroundings unnoticed. And if you squint hard enough, or wear dark enough glasses, you may not even notice the other tourists. Hotel Palazzetto Rosso Art (doubles from £135) is a charming, quite basic place to stay, just five minutes' walk from the Piazza del Campo. The medieval building has retained some nice features, in particular its stone window frames, and some of the rooms boast stunning views over the city's clay-slated rooftops. Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 is at the National Gallery, London WC2, from 8 March-22 June (adults £20, under-18s free,
The Guardian
15-02-2025
- The Guardian
Exploring Siena, Tuscany's other artistic masterpiece
This warren of narrow streets, some so tight that only the noon sunshine penetrates all the way down to the cobbles, is part gothic, part romanesque, and all beautiful. It's blessed with an embarrassment of architectural riches and wrapped up in wonderfully preserved medieval walls that hug the city tightly, an enchantingly compact tangle of sandstone and terracotta perched on a hill overlooking a quintessentially Tuscan landscape of olive groves and vineyards and winding gravel roads. In any other corner of the world, Siena would be the only show in town. Around here though, there are several noisy neighbours. And none makes more of a racket than Florence, 50 miles north, famously the birthplace of the Renaissance and home of the Medici, Michelangelo, Giotto and Leonardo da Vinci. These days, it's also famous for tourist tuk-tuks and newspaper stories about €25 ice-creams, as overtourism slowly erodes the city's appeal. Which is why it's better to avoid the roped-off processions of the Uffizi and choose Siena for an art lovers' city break instead. (And for anyone who can't make it to Chianti, the National Gallery in London will begin an extensive exhibition, Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350, in March. It will showcase the city's importance to European art and its vital role as a catalyst of change.) Given Florence's touristic predominance, it is not obvious to many that for a long time these two great Tuscan city-states were rivals. Neither on the coast or a great river, Siena was not the most obvious place for a prosperous city-state, but its strategic location on the route from Rome to the rest of Europe made it both economically and culturally important. Siena became one of the great urban centres of Italy, cementing its status with an unlikely military victory against the more numerous forces of Florence in 1260. That coup instilled the city with a confidence and a sense of identity that can still be seen nearly 800 years later. Funded by merchants, Siena's craftsmen and artists transformed the city with audacious public buildings and groundbreaking works of painting and sculpture in what would become known as the Sienese School. It isn't as widely appreciated these days as that which came after it, unfortunately, perhaps because it ended all too suddenly. After a period of prosperity and pre-eminence in the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena's luck ran out in 1348 when the Black Death arrived, eventually wiping out half of its population, including most of its artists and craftsmen. While work on its four miles of fortified walls – extended on a regular basis until then – was stopped in its tracks, its great rival, Florence, went on to dominate Tuscany and the late Renaissance. But it's no exaggeration to say that without Siena's influence, that great period of artistic revival would have looked very different. The best place to get a sense of the Sienese School's importance is the city's gothic cathedral and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana (Cathedral Museum). The cathedral is worth a visit for its facade alone, with its emphasis on contrast and verticality, and its mixture of gothic ideals and classical influence. It is, like much of Siena, an antecedent to the coming Renaissance, especially in terms of its sculptural elements. The work of Giovanni Pisano, who has been referred to as the first modern sculptor, incorporated an expressive naturalism that was pioneering for the time. Inside, the cathedral's vaulted ceiling is dizzying, while its stunning mosaic floor is almost overwhelming in its intricacy. It took almost 200 years to complete, and the 16th-century painter and art historian Giorgio Vasari called it 'the most beautiful that ever was made'. But, as every self-respecting art fan will know, the cathedral's main attraction – what was once its altarpiece – now lies in the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà is a double-sided work of impressive scale, both figuratively and literally. It epitomises the Sienese School, infusing the gothic tradition with new ideas about expressionism and narrative and moving it away from the rigid symbolism of the past. In Duccio, you can see so much of what was to come – bold colours, imaginative composition, emotion. Given how influential art historians now hold him to be, it seems very unfair that Duccio di Buoninsegna isn't a household name. A couple of hundred metres from the Duomo, the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena (National Gallery of Siena) provides the most thorough overview of the city's artistic heritage, from the early days of the Sienese School and the transformation of the Renaissance to later works from the restrained, devout Counter-Reformation (or Catholic Reformation). It is the world's largest and most important collection of the era: Duccio features, of course, as do his contemporaries Simone Martini and the Lorenzetti brothers, Pietro and Ambrogio. It's an ideal place to compare and contrast the Siena style against the more familiar naturalistic, scientific approach of the Florentine Renaissance. Because for all their innovation, the Sienese masters always retained a strong connection to the byzantine and gothic. Their goal was never a realistic ideal, it was an elegantly stylised narrative meant to transcend daily life and inspire faith. Seeing so many masterpieces of the era in one place gives a fresh perspective on the developments, and motivations, that drove European art in that period. But even after all that, the most enchanting part of Siena's artistic appeal is the city itself. It is, in effect, an open-air museum, a maze of hidden frescoes, exquisitely carved fountains and crumbling arches, shaded alleys and sunny piazzas. In the busier months, Siena's main square, the Piazza del Campo, will be bustling with activity, but unlike so many of Italy's historic public spaces, it never feels cramped. Such is the scale of it – after all, they do use it to host a horse race, the Palio Di Siena (2 July and 16 August in 2025) – that you will always find a sunny spot to pitch up. The piazza is lined with restaurants and cocktail bars, but none are worth writing home about, and anyway, when the weather is good, it's hard to beat the simple pleasure of a takeaway sandwich and a cold beer. For the all-important postprandial coffee, leave the piazza and head one street over to the Via di Città, where you will find the Torrefazione Fiorella. Torrefazione means roaster in Italian, and they still roast their own selection of beans here, despite it being one of the smallest premises in the city. Suitably energised, and perhaps in need of a little variety after all that gothic goodness, a trip to one of Siena's Contrada museums is an excellent way to delve a little deeper into the city's history and culture. The 17 contrade are Siena's historic neighbourhoods, today most famously known for competing in the Palio horse race. Each has its own museum, full of quirky artefacts, local curiosities and, more importantly, a hall of victories where the contradas display their colourful trophy flags from the Palio. It's the ideal way to explore Siena's neighbourhoods with a little context – and along the way it will be almost impossible not to stumble upon a few artistic and architectural surprises. Siena is a place that can almost seem frozen in time. There are modern buildings, of course, but it's so incredibly intact, architecturally, that its 20th-century apartment buildings seem to blend into the gothic surroundings unnoticed. And if you squint hard enough, or wear dark enough glasses, you may not even notice the other tourists. Hotel Palazzetto Rosso Art (doubles from £135) is a charming, quite basic place to stay, just five minutes' walk from the Piazza del Campo. The medieval building has retained some nice features, in particular its stone window frames, and some of the rooms boast stunning views over the city's clay-slated rooftops. Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 is at the National Gallery, London WC2, from 8 March-22 June (adults £20, under-18s free,
