For centuries, the Vasari Corridor was one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. The corridor is hidden… yet, it’s in plain sight. It runs above the busy streets and the crowded Ponte Vecchio. Giorgio Vasari built it in 1565 for the Medici family. This elevated walkway allowed the Medici to move between their home at Palazzo Pitti and their offices at Palazzo Vecchio. All this to not mingle with the general public or risk assassination.
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After nearly a decade of restoration, this exclusive passageway has officially reopened to the public as of December 21, 2024, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the past while enjoying stunning views of Florence from above.
A Passage Through History
It took just five months to construct at the request of Cosimo I de’ Medici. It would provide the family a safe and private route to navigate their city. The passage, stretching 750 meters (2,460 feet), weaves through some of Florence’s most iconic landmarks: starting from the Uffizi Galleries, crossing the famous Ponte Vecchio, wrapping around medieval towers, and even running through the eaves of the Church of Santa Felicita before exiting into the Boboli Gardens at Palazzo Pitti. The path is truly amazing when you think about it.
What to Expect Inside the Vasari Corridor
Unlike the exhibitions of the Uffizi, the Vasari Corridor offers a more raw, plain experience. While the passage once housed over 1,000 paintings, including a collection of self-portraits, the walls now have been left bare to maintain a Renaissance atmosphere.
Large square windows, spaced every few feet, provide unmatched views of the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio, and Florence’s historic rooftops. A particularly notable section includes the panoramic windows added by Benito Mussolini in the 1930s, through which he once guided Adolf Hitler. Hitler’s admiration for the bridge is believed to be why the Ponte Vecchio was spared from destruction during World War II when other Florentine bridges were bombed.
Visiting the Vasari Corridor Today
Visitors will need to book in advance. Small groups of 25 are escorted through the corridor. The passage contains 106 steps, but stair lifts have been installed to ensure accessibility. Those taking part in the tour will start on the second floor of the Uffizi, where a door leads into a frescoed space before transitioning into the narrow, terracotta-paved walkway.
Vasari Corrodor Tickets
Tickets cost €45, which includes entry to the Uffizi Galleries and a two-hour visit before heading into the corridor. Alternatively, those who already have an Uffizi ticket can add access to the corridor for €20. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, entry is free every first Sunday of the month. But check ahead as these dates can be booked out months in advance.
A Unique Way to Experience Florence
Walking through the Vasari Corridor is more than just a historical tour; it’s a journey into a secret world once reserved for Florence’s elite. As you peer out over the bustling streets below or gaze through the discreet windows of Santa Felicita Church, you’ll gain a perspective on Florence that few have ever experienced. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone looking for a unique way to see the city, the Vasari Corridor is an unforgettable addition to any Florence itinerary.
With its reopening, this once-hidden pathway now offers modern visitors the same privilege the Medici once enjoyed—a peaceful, crowd-free view of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Drop a comment if you’ve been and your thoughts. We’d love to hear them!
My husband and I just did this in March. It is, as you say, a special experience into the Medici period. The interior is now quite plain (a bit disappointing) but the action is all outside. Multiple windows along the way allow for viewing Florence in a wholly different manner. Crossing the Ponte Vecchio is thrilling to see (and sometimes hear) the activity going on. The tour is guided with some limited explanation of what you are seeing but you are mostly left alone to enjoy it all. Once you are finished and left at the Pitti Palace, I recommend investigating the Oltrarno area too. Lots to see there as well!
Thanks, Karen, for the insight. The windows would indeed make the trip unforgettable. I completly agree with visiting the Oltrarno side of Florence. We especially love Piazza Santo Spirato… and our favorite gelateria is there too, La Carrara.