The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world. It is housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, a palazzo in Florence. Building of the palace was begun by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de' Medici as the offices for the Florentine magistrates — hence the name "uffizi" ("offices"). Construction was continued to Vasari's design by Alfonso Parigi and Bernardo Buontalenti and ended in 1581. Today the Uffizi is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Florence. In high season (particularly in July), waiting times can be up to five hours. Visitors who reserve a ticket in advance have a substantially shorter wait. Here is only a small selection from the world-class collection of paintings: Cimabue (Maestà), Duccio (Maestà), Leonardo da Vinci (The Annunciation, The Adoration of the Magi). The collection also contains some ancient sculptures, such as the Arrotino and the Two Wrestlers.

The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence. This massive, Romanesque, crenellated fortress-palace is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Although most of the Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum, it remains the symbol of local government: since 1872 it has housed the office of the mayor of Florence, and it is the seat of the City Council. At the end of the hall is situated a small sideroom without windows. This masterpiece, the Studiolo of Francesco I was also designed by Vasari in a manneristic style (1570-1575). The walls and the barrel vault are filled with paintings, stucco and sculptures. Most paintings are by the School of Vasari and represent the four elements: water, fire, earth and air. Private Chamber of Eleanor was one of the private rooms of Eleonora of Toledo, wife of Cosimo I de' Medici. The paintings are by the Flemish painter Jan Stradan, better known under his Italian name Stradone. Against the wall is a cabinet with Florentine mosaic designs.

Casa Buonarroti was built in the 17th century by the great master Michelangelo for his family. It was restored to resemble the original designs of the master, and was converted into a museum by his great nephew. Some of the early works of Michelangelo are displayed in this house.

This beaux-arts academy was founded in the 16th century by Cosimo I de Medici. The academy is famous for housing the genuine David by Michelangelo together with other stunning works created by him. The academy boasts other valuable works by Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Giambologna and other great artists.

The Palazzo Medici Riccardi roughly translated – the Palace of Medici Riccardi, stands as one of the most prominent structures of Renaissance architecture. Standing tall amidst the hustle and bustle of the San Lorenzo market, this Renaissance Palace is amongst the finest and most famous palazzos in the city of Florence.
The structure is not only a delight to architectural admirers but also brings with it the tales of history and heritage of yester years. The Palazzo Medici Riccardi was custom built for the Medicis, the most powerful family in the fifteenth century Florence.
This magnificent structure was designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo in the mid fifteenth century for Cosimo de' Medici, the head of the Medici family. The structure was completed over a span of 15 years and became the model for Renaissance civil architecture. The robust structure, with a stony look, along with its rusticated and ashlar finish, stood as a symbol of the influence, power and position of the Medici Family in Florence.
After nearly a century, the Palazzo was sold to the Ricarrdis in 1659, who extended the building and partially revamped the interiors.
Today the Palazzo belongs to the Provincial Authority of the city and is converted into a museum that is dedicated to showcasing major figures of modern and contemporary art.