The Uffizi was built in 1560-80 as offices for the Duke Cosimo 1’s new administration. The architect, Vasari, used iron reinforcement to create an almost continuous wall of glass on the upper storey. From 1581 Cosimo’s heirs used this area to display the Medici family art collection and in effect created the oldest gallery in the world.

Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures are in the corridor around the inner side of the horseshoe shaped building, whilst inside are displayed the paintings which have been arranged in such a way as to show the development of Florentine art from the Gothic to Renaissance.

It is certainly well worth a visit.