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Vasari Corridor: Florence’s Historic Passageway

The Vasari Corridor is a hidden elevated passage in Florence, Italy, connecting the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace. Built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari, it allowed Medici rulers safe, private transit. It has recently reopened to the public after 8...

Founded On

1565

Founded By

Giorgio Vasari

Vasari Corridor

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Corridoio Vasariano, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

1 hour

Timings

10:15–16:35

TICKETS

From € 59

Plan your visit

Did you know?

One of the most iconic sections of the corridor passes above the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s historic bridge, with panoramic views over the Arno River. While the bridge below is lined with shops, the corridor above provided a private walkway filled with hidden windows.

The corridor houses an extensive collection of self-portraits by renowned artists, including Rembrandt, Velázquez, and Rubens. These works are part of the Uffizi Gallery's collection, making the corridor both a historical site and an art gallery.

Remarkably, the Vasari Corridor survived the bombings of World War II. While much of Florence was damaged, German troops spared the corridor during their retreat in 1944, leaving it largely intact. This act preserved an important piece of Renaissance history.

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Book your Vasari Corridor tickets

Uffizi Gallery Tickets with Vasari Corridor Access

Mobile ticket

2 hr. 45 min.

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from

€59

Private Tour of Vasari Corridor and Uffizi Gallery

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

3 hr.

Guided tour

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from

€330

Your journey along the Vasari Corridor

Abduction of a Sabine Woman sculpture in Accademia Gallery, Florence.

1. Uffizi Gallery

Your journey through the Vasari Corridor begins at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important museums in the world. While it is not part of the corridor, the gallery provides the context for your visit. Inside, you'll find works by the likes of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Caravaggio, reflecting the Medici family’s vast collection and patronage of the arts. Reach the first floor of Uffizi and head into Room D19 at your scheduled time slot.

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Vasari Corridor view with Uffizi Gallery artworks, Florence private tour.

2. Gallery of Statues and Paintings

The Gallery of Statues and Paintings is one of the first rooms in the corridor you can explore. It boasts over 1,000 remarkable works, including the world’s largest self-portrait collection. Masterpieces by Rembrandt, Velázquez, and Rubens are displayed alongside antique sculptures. This extraordinary collection weaves a tale of artistic brilliance spanning centuries, reflecting the Medici's enduring vision of art as a symbol of power and legacy.

3. Ponte Vecchio

One of the most exciting features of the Vasari Corridor is the view of Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most famous bridge. The corridor passes above the bridge, offering a unique view of the goldsmiths’ shops, making for a stunning and rarely seen perspective of this iconic structure.

Church of Santa Felicita exterior view in Florence, Italy, showcasing its historic architecture.

4. Church of Santa Felicita

After passing the Ponte Vecchio, the Vasari Corridor continues over the loggia of the Church of Santa Felicita. At this point, the corridor had a balcony protected by a thick railing, allowing the Medici family to observe services inside the church without mixing with the general public. This private viewing space provided the Grand Duke’s family with an exclusive way to participate in religious services while maintaining their separation from the crowds below.

5. Arno River

The Vasari Corridor offers breathtaking views of the Arno River, which runs through Florence. As you walk, you’ll experience unique perspectives of the riverbanks and the Palazzo Vecchio, a symbol of Florence's rich history and culture.

Pitti Palace exterior with Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy.

6. Pitti Palace

Your visit concludes at the Buontalenti Grotto in the Boboli Gardens, with a short walk to the Ammannati Courtyard of the Pitti Palace. These were once the Medici family’s private park and principal residence. Now it is home to several museums, like the Palatine Gallery and the Museum of Fashion and Costume.

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Timeline

1565: Grand Duke Francesco I de' Medici commissions the corridor to connect the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti for the Medici family’s private use.
1930s: During World War II, the corridor serves to move priceless artworks to safety.
1993: A bombing damages the corridor, leading to extensive repairs.
2016: The corridor closes for restoration to improve safety and accessibility.
2024: The corridor reopens to the public after significant restoration.

Learn more

Vasari Corridor architecture

Designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1565 for Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici.
Stretches 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) across Florence, connecting the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti.
The corridor runs above the city’s busy streets, ensuring the Medici family’s privacy and security.
Features arched windows that provide stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, Arno River, and Florence landmarks.
The structure includes frescoes painted by Vasari and other Renaissance artists.
Private passageway for the Medici family to travel between their residences and offices.
The design combines functional architecture with artistic elements, reflecting the family's wealth and status.

Vasari Corridor’s role in the Medici family

The corridor played a crucial role in maintaining the Medici family’s power and privacy. It allowed them to travel between their government offices at the Uffizi Gallery and their residence at Palazzo Pitti without encountering the general public. This corridor was not just a functional space but also a statement of the Medici’s influence over Florence’s culture and politics. The artworks displayed inside, from self-portraits to sculptures, showcased their patronage of the arts and their desire to immortalize their legacy in the city’s fabric.

Other Medici Mile attractions to visit

The Medici Mile is a historic route linking landmarks like Palazzo Medici Riccardi, San Lorenzo, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi, the Vasari Corridor, and Palazzo Pitti. It highlights the Medici family's profound impact on Renaissance art, politics, and architecture. Along the way, you can explore Medici chapels, their patronage of artists like Michelangelo, and their influence on Florence's cultural evolution.

Palazzo Pitti

The Medici family's grand residence, home to the Pitti Palace Museums and the Boboli Gardens.

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Uffizi Gallery

A world-renowned museum with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.

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Palazzo Vecchio

The Florence town hall, once the Medici's political center.

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Boboli Gardens

Expansive Renaissance gardens with fountains, sculptures, and panoramic views of Florence.

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Bargello Museum

A museum dedicated to Renaissance sculptures, housing works by Donatello and Michelangelo.

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Frequently asked questions about the Vasari Corridor

Can I visit the Vasari Corridor and the Uffizi Gallery in one ticket?

Yes, a special ticket offers combined access to both the Uffizi Gallery and the Vasari Corridor.

What is the significance of the Vasari Corridor?

The Vasari Corridor was designed to provide the Medici family with a private passage from their government offices at the Uffizi Gallery to their residence at the Palazzo Pitti, avoiding the crowds in the streets of Florence.

Is the Vasari Corridor wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the corridor is accessible to visitors with limited mobility with platforms and lifts in place.

Are there any restrictions or rules I should be aware of during my visit?

Yes, the Vasari Corridor has specific rules to preserve its delicate interiors and artworks. Food, drinks, and large bags are not allowed inside. Flash photography and touching exhibits are strictly prohibited. Visitors are also expected to follow their guide's instructions to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.

How do I combine a visit to the Vasari Corridor with other attractions in Florence?

The Vasari Corridor connects the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, making it ideal to pair these iconic landmarks in one day. Start with the Uffizi Gallery in the morning, take the Corridor tour, and end with the lavish Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace. Alternatively, explore the Ponte Vecchio for some shopping and riverside views before or after your Corridor experience.

Is there a way to enjoy the Vasari Corridor if tickets are sold out?

If tickets are sold out, consider alternative ways to experience the charm of the Corridor. Explore the exterior views from the Ponte Vecchio and visit the Uffizi Gallery to learn more about its history.

Why is the Vasari Corridor important for Florence?

It is an important historical and architectural landmark that provides insight into the private lives of the Medici family and showcases some of the most famous works of art in Florence. It is a symbol of the Medici's influence on the city's culture and history.