Florence rediscovers its skyline

Maxi crane removed from Uffizi after 19 years

After nearly twenty years, the heart of Florence is once again revealed in all its harmony: the massive crane that dominated the Uffizi construction site since 2006 has finally been dismantled. Installed for the expansion of the Gallery, the towering 60-meter-high structure, visible from miles away, had become a fixed element in Florence’s skyline. The complex operation took six days and has now restored the city center’s original, unspoiled panorama.

Strongly advocated by the Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli and Uffizi director Simone Verde, the crane’s removal began on June 16, 2025, and concluded on the 21st. It was made possible thanks to a coordinated effort involving the Nuovi Uffizi project manager Valerio Tesi and site director Chiara Tettamanti. The success of the operation is due to a meticulous reorganization of the construction site and the installation of a new “light” hoist, funded by a coalition of local businesses and institutions, including Stefano Ricci, Nexi, Starhotels, Toscana Aeroporti, Fondazione CR Firenze, and the Friends of the Uffizi.

The dismantling of the crane marks a turning point, both symbolic and tangible: after years of criticism and social media irony about its overwhelming presence, Florence can finally enjoy an unobstructed skyline once again—enhancing the beauty of iconic landmarks like Piazza della Signoria, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and the city’s unmistakable Renaissance silhouette.