Da Vinci, Michelangelo and friends: Must-see artists, masterpieces in Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy

FLORENCE, Italy — As the origin of some of the world’s most highly regarded and celebrated Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello Sanzio, Michelangelo and Donatello, the inspirations behind the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” of pop culture, Firenze, or more popularly known as Florence, should never be missed in any art junkie’s itinerary when visiting Italy.

Although Italy is famous for its beaches especially during summer, a whole day is recommended when visiting Florence’s world-renowned Galleria degli Uffizi or Uffizi Galleries adjacent to the 14th century Piazzale degli Uffizi sitting on the banks of the Arno, central Italy’s most important river next to Tiber. The artworks give a glimpse of a bygone world: the Golden Age of Florentine life and the artists' quest for perfection to express their faith and honor God.

But with its many galleries, including one dedicated to self-portraits alone, where should one start?

Among the hundreds of artworks in the multi-storey Uffizi, which is also among the biggest museums with the most art collections on the planet, here are some of the biggest artists and artworks that one should not miss:

“Venus of Urbino”

“Self-Portrait” 

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