Musuems in Florence
 

What museums would you suggest if we only have 3 full days in Florence and we're thinking of taking one for Sienna. I'm thinking the Uffizi and Academia one day and the Pitti and others another?

I enjoyed the Bargello. Great building nice collection, lot's of scuptures, easy crowds (at least when we were there).

I'd go to the Museum Opera del'Duomo, right in the Piazza of the Duomo. You will see Donatello's amazing Mary Magdalene and Michelangelo's last Pieta--quite a difference from the one in St. Peter's.

I've been to Florence a dozen times and have still not seen all the art. Aside from the magnificent museums many of the art treasures are "in situ" in churches or palazzos. My favorites for a three day itinerary would be:

1. Uffizzi
Go at opening and go directly to the Botticelli room (RUN!). If you lucky you'll be the only one's there. Spend the whole day. Get a guidebook. Have lunch on the terrace.

2. San Marco Museum and cloisters
Fra Angelico lived there and painted there. Incandescent.

3. Santa Maria del Carmine, Brancacci Chapel
Frescoes by Massacio and Masolini are the archtype of the Renaissance. Look for the two elegant gentlemen.

4. Palazzo Medici Ricccari,Medici Chapel
Benozzo Gozzoli painted frescoes of the Magi's journey in jewel-like splendor. The chapel has no windows: imagine what it was like lit by candles.

The images from #3 & 4 show up everywhere, on coffee mugs, postcards, bookcovers. The names may not be well known, but the faces are.

5. Accademia sculpture
David is a cultural icon and he deserves to be.

If you're still functioning (there is such a thing as art overload) then carry on to the other museums. . . otherwise start planning your next trip!

Another vote for the Bargello.