Tucked away above the bustling Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s best-kept secret has finally reopened—if you know where to find it.
Hidden in plain sight, the Vasari Corridor whispers tales of power, art, and the enigmatic Medici family. After eight years of closure, this elevated walkway invites curious travelers to step into the shadows of Florence’s past, offering a rare glimpse behind the city’s Renaissance façade.
Connecting two of Florence’s iconic landmarks—the Palazzo Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti—the corridor served as the Medici’s private highway, allowing them to move unseen above the city’s streets.
Now, visitors can retrace their steps, gazing through narrow windows at Florence from the same hidden vantage point as the rulers who shaped its destiny.
The Vasari Corridor, originally commissioned by Grand Duke Cosimo I in 1565, connects the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti. Designed by architect Giorgio Vasari, the 760-meter-long passage allowed the powerful Medici family to traverse Florence unseen, bypassing the crowded streets. For centuries, it remained an exclusive pathway reserved for the elite. Now, travelers can retrace the steps of Florence’s rulers and admire the views that have captivated generations.
Access to the corridor begins at the Uffizi Gallery, one of Florence’s most treasured museums. Known for housing masterpieces like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, the gallery now serves as the gateway to this historic passage.
As visitors step into the corridor, they are greeted by small windows offering panoramic views of Florence, including a rare peek inside the church of Santa Felicita—just as the Medici family once did to observe mass in private.
Beyond its architectural intrigue, the corridor also holds artistic treasures. Originally adorned with self-portraits of artists from the 16th to the 20th century, many of these works have now been relocated to the Uffizi Gallery to preserve them for future generations. The reopening allows visitors to experience the corridor’s unique blend of history and art, transporting them back to the Renaissance era.
The restoration, completed in late 2023, focused on preserving the corridor’s original character while ensuring accessibility. Ramps and lifts have been installed, making this historical marvel open to visitors of all abilities for the first time.
Tickets for the Vasari Corridor, which include entry to the Uffizi Gallery, cost €43. The corridor welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:15 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. Those planning to visit must book in advance, as space is limited and demand is high following its long-awaited reopening.
Florence’s Vasari Corridor offers more than just a walk through history—it’s an invitation to uncover the hidden layers of this timeless city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a new perspective on Florence, this secret passage promises a journey like no other.
