The Vasari Corridor “Corridoio Vasariano”, was commissioned in 1565 by Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici to celebrate the wedding of his son Francesco I with Joanna of Austria. It took Giorgio Vasari only 5 months to complete this incredible project that links up the Pitti Palace, at that times the residence of the Medici family, with Palazzo Vecchio, the headquarter of the government.
Thanks to the Corridor, the members of the Medici family were able to move freely and, unnoticed, throughout the city centre.
The Corridor, a covered passageway almost a kilometre long, starts out from the West side of the Uffizi Gallery, heads towards the Arno and then, raised up by arches, follows the river as far as the Ponte Vecchio which it crosses by passing on top of the famous jewellery stores.
The route of the Vasari Corridor ends at Pitti Palace, specifically in the Boboli Gardens, right next to the Grotto of Buontalenti.
The Corridor contains over 1000 paintings, all dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as an important collection of self-portraits by some of the most famous masters of painting.
Thanks to its elevated and privileged position, the it gives the possibility to cross some of the most beautiful and charming places of the historical centre of Florence. The central part of the Corridor, that goes over Ponte Vecchio, offers unique and panoramic views of the city.
Walking through the Corridor, it feels like having stepped into another dimension.
Only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day, reservation in advance is required.
We would be happy to help you to arrange a visit to this unique place!
