Goodbye to the Eyesore: Florence's Uffizi Crane Finally Removed

In an emotional farewell, residents express relief as the iconic landmark regains its unspoiled beauty once again.

This week, the skyline of Florence, Italy, known for its breathtaking Renaissance architecture, is now clearer as the 197-foot crane that had overshadowed the Uffizi Galleries was finally removed. Locals have long clamored for its departure, viewing the colossal structure as a blight on one of the world’s most celebrated art museums. Carlo Francini, who oversees Florence's municipal museums, declared it “an important day for the city,” as residents rejoiced at the crane's removal.

Giacomo Tempesta, an architect visiting the Uffizi, remarked, "For years it wasn’t possible to take a photograph that didn’t include the crane; it was a cumbersome presence. It was time that they took it down.”

The infamous crane was first hoisted in 2006 for a modernization project intended to enhance the Uffizi's exhibition spaces and visitor navigation. While substantial renovations have been accomplished over the years, portions of the project remain ongoing. Nonetheless, the dismantling of the crane marks a significant step towards restoring the aesthetic integrity of Florence’s historic skyline.