Il Corridoio Vasariano (The Vasari corridor) in Florence

Il Corridoio Vasariano (The Vasari corridor) in Florence

A special Florence highlight is the Corridoio Vasariano. It was closed to the public for several centuries, but can now once again be visited.

 

Ponte Vecchio from the Corridoio Vasariano

This famous corridor was built in less than six months in 1564 by Giorgio Vasari for the wedding of Francesco de Medici and Giovanna of Austria. It was created in order to establish a connection between the Palazzo Pitti, where the Medici family lived, and the Uffizi where they worked. 

The idea of an enclosed passageway was motivated by the fact that, like most monarchs of the period, the Grand Duke felt insecure in public, especially because he had replaced the Republic of Florence. The meat market of Ponte Vecchio was moved to avoid its smell reaching into the passage, its place being taken by the goldsmith shops that still occupy the bridge.

This connecting corridor is approximately one kilometre long. It starts inside Palazzo Vecchio, goes through the Uffizi, continues along the Arno, and follows the river to Ponte Vecchio. When it crosses the Arno at Ponte Vecchio there are magnificent views to the right and left side of the river towards the Arno’s other bridges. When you reach the opposite side of the Arno, the corridor continues, passing through the interior of the Santa Felicita church. The corridor then passes houses, ancient palaces, and private gardens. It ends when it reaches the Boboli Gardens and the apartments of the Palazzo Pitti.

The corridor is usually open from Tuesday to Friday. The visits are organized in groups of 20. More information is available at the Loggiato degli Uffizi, or by phoning 055 2654321. Call in advance because opening hours can be subject to fluctuations.

 

Inside the Corridoio Vasariano

The entrance to Corridoio Vasariano is located between rooms 25 and 34 in the Uffizi Gallery. The special features of this walk are not only the little-known but truly remarkable views of the city, but also the many pieces of art which are exhibited in the corridor. One can admire over 1000 paintings, mostly portraits, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

This collection is truly unique in the world. It was created by Cardinal Leopoldo de 'Medici in the early 17th century. You will find portraits of famous personalities of the time – Andrea del Sarto, Canova, Hayez, Corot, Beccafumi, Bernini, Guido Reni, Salvator Rosa, Annibale Carracci, Rubens and many others.

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