Vasari Corridor Florence Tickets | Secret Medici Passage

Walk through history: Vasari Corridor reopens after 8 years

On 21 December 2024, the Vasari Corridor, Florence’s iconic elevated passage, reopened after eight years of meticulous restoration. Built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari, this 700-meter-long "air tunnel" was once a private walkway for the Medici family. Connecting the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace, it offers rare views of Florence and a unique window into Renaissance history.

Why visit the Vasari Corridor?

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Walk the Medici’s secret path

Built in 1565 as a private passage for Florence’s ruling family, the Vasari Corridor was designed to protect the Medici from public eyes. Walking through it is like stepping into their shoes and uncovering the intriguing layers of Renaissance power and politics.

Soak in Florence’s best-kept views

Peer through hidden windows to see Florence as the Medici once did—from the Arno River glistening below to the city’s timeless rooftops. These unique vantage points are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.

Experience Vasari’s architectural genius

A marvel of Renaissance design, this 700-meter-long corridor seamlessly connects landmarks like the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Pitti Palace. Its understated elegance speaks volumes about Vasari’s mastery.

Discover Florence’s hidden gem

Unlike the city’s bustling landmarks, the Vasari Corridor provides a quiet and exclusive way to explore Florence’s history, perfect for those craving something truly unique.

Things to know before booking your tickets to the Vasari Corridor

To access the Vasari Corridor, you must purchase a special ticket which includes access to the Uffizi Gallery. Tickets are only available via reservation, and slots are limited to one group at a time.
Each visit lasts approximately 45 minutes and is limited to groups of 25 people.
The route through the corridor operates as a one-way system, starting from Room D19 inside the Uffizi Gallery and ending at the Pitti Palace. Once you leave the Uffizi, re-entry is not permitted.
The tour ends at the Ammannati Courtyard in the Pitti Palace. You can extend your visit by purchasing tickets to the Boboli Gardens or Pitti Palace in advance for a seamless experience.
Guiding is not permitted in the Vasari Corridor. However, Uffizi staff will accompany visitors, pointing out important artifacts and at times using the whisper system to communicate.
Access to the Vasari Corridor is highly sought after, and tickets sell out quickly due to limited daily availability. To secure your spot, book at least two weeks ahead of your visit.
Please note that access is restricted for wheelchairs with a total weight over 230 kg and with a length of over 120 cm.

What to see along the Vasari Corridor

Discover rare sculptures and artworks, peek through hidden windows, and take in panoramic views of the Florence skyline and Arno River as you walk along the iconic Medici passage.

Uffizi Gallery entrance

Begin your journey in the prestigious Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the world’s greatest Renaissance masterpieces. The corridor starts at Room D19, seamlessly transitioning from the gallery’s ornate interiors into the elevated walkway.

Book Uffizi tickets

The Lungarno Passage

The corridor moves along the Lungarno degli Archibugieri, running parallel to the Arno River. Here, you’ll catch your first glimpses of Florence’s historic skyline, framed by small, discreet windows.

Crossing the Ponte Vecchio

A highlight of the route, the corridor traverses Florence’s most famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio. Elevated above the bustling goldsmith shops below, this section offers breathtaking views of the Arno River and the surrounding cityscape through its iconic square windows.

Over the Santo Stefano Church

The corridor passes above the Church of Santo Stefano al Ponte, an often-overlooked gem in Florence. Its strategic placement highlights the Medici’s influence in seamlessly blending civic and religious landmarks.

The Oltrarno District

Once across the river, the corridor winds through Florence’s quieter Oltrarno neighborhood, known for its artisans and historic charm. This section reveals the Medici’s mastery of integrating their private passageway into the urban fabric.

Exit at the Boboli Gardens

The corridor concludes at the Buontalenti Grotto in the Boboli Gardens, a Renaissance masterpiece of landscaping and artistic design. Visitors exit near the gardens and are guided to the Ammannati Courtyard of the Pitti Palace, the grand former residence of the Medici family.

Book tickets to Boboli Gardens

Highlights of the corridor

Vasari Corridor's historic passageway with arches architecture in Florence, Italy.

The restored corridor architecture

Step into a 700-meter-long passage that exemplifies minimalist Renaissance design. With its restored terracotta floors and elegant arched ceilings, the Vasari Corridor once served as the Medici family’s private walkway. Today, it offers visitors a tranquil and immersive journey through Florence’s rich history.

Ponte Vecchio spanning the Arno River in Florence, Italy.

Vasari Corridor sculptures in Florence, Italy, showcasing Renaissance art.

Vasari Corridor interior with Renaissance paintings in Florence, Italy.

Unique facts about the Vasari Corridor

The Vasari Corridor was commissioned in 1565 by Cosimo I de’ Medici to commemorate the marriage of his son, Francesco I, to Joanna of Austria. Its rapid construction in just five months showcases Vasari’s architectural prowess.
The corridor includes a private balcony inside the Church of Santa Felicita, allowing the Medici family to attend mass without mingling with the public. This unique feature emphasizes their need for both privacy and influence in religious spaces.
While the corridor enabled the Medici to traverse Florence unnoticed, it also allowed them to observe the daily lives of the city's citizens from above. The windows gave them a strategic view of the bustling streets and markets.
In 1938, Benito Mussolini ordered the enlargement of certain windows in the corridor to impress Adolf Hitler during his visit to Florence. These modifications remain, providing panoramic views of the city.
When the corridor was built in 1565, the Ponte Vecchio was lined with butchers and tanners, whose businesses created unpleasant odors. To improve the route for the Medici family, Cosimo I ordered these shops to be replaced with goldsmiths and jewelers, giving the bridge its elegant reputation today.

History of the Vasari Corridor

1565: Commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, designed by Giorgio Vasari, and built in five months to celebrate the marriage of Francesco I de’ Medici and Joanna of Austria.
1664: Cardinal Leopoldo de’ Medici begins installing self-portraits, creating one of the world’s largest collections.
1938: Windows are enlarged on Mussolini's orders to impress Hitler during his visit to Florence.
1944: Survives World War II bombings; its structure remains mostly intact despite the destruction of neighboring bridges.
1993: Suffers damage during the Via dei Georgofili bombing, with several artworks destroyed. Some are restored and displayed as a reminder of the attack.
2016: Is closed to the public for restoration due to safety concerns.
2024: Reopens with updated safety measures, accessibility improvements, and a redesigned interior to welcome visitors again.

Complete history

Know before you visit the Vasari Corridor

Opening days: Tuesday to Sunday.
First group: 10:15am | Last group: 4:35pm
Visits last approximately 45 minutes and are strictly by reservation.
Closed on: The corridor is closed on Mondays and follows the same closing schedule as the Uffizi Gallery. Special open days are available if they don’t coincide with a Monday.

Best time to visit

Start point: Entry to the corridor begins at Room D19 on the first floor of the Uffizi Gallery.
End point: Boboli Gardens near the Buontalenti Grotto and Pitti Palace.

Getting there

Toilets: Available along the corridor route.
Lighting: Energy-efficient LED systems illuminate the passage.
Safety features: Includes new emergency exits and video surveillance for a secure visit.
Cloakroom: While there is a cloakroom at the Uffizi, bulky items (like suitcases, backpacks, and large umbrellas) are not permitted inside the corridor.
Restrooms and café: Restrooms and a café are available at the Ammannati Courtyard in the Pitti Palace, where the tour ends.

Plan your visit

Fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.
Equipped with ramps, lifts, and platforms for ease of navigation.

Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to check in and avoid missing your entry slot.
The tour ends at the Pitti Palace. To make the most of your experience, purchase tickets for the Boboli Gardens or Pitti Palace museums in advance.
With a length of over 1 kilometer and sections involving stairs, wear comfortable walking shoes to enhance your experience.
Large bags, umbrellas, and tripods are not permitted inside. Use storage facilities at the Uffizi to keep your belongings safe during the tour.

Frequently asked questions about Vasari Corridor tickets

No, the Vasari Corridor is included with a special ticket for the Uffizi Gallery. Separate tickets for the corridor alone are not available.

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About

Discover Florence’s artistic legacy with a 3-hour private guided tour of the Vasari Corridor and Uffizi Gallery. With priority access, get hassle-free entry.
Don't let language get in the way! Choose from Spanish, Italian, English, or French, and enjoy spirited conversations with your guide.
See Italian Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Admire works by Botticelli, Correggio, Da Vinci, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Filippo Lippi, Mantegna and more.
Walk through the Vasari Corridor, built in 1565 as a private passageway for the Medici family to move between their offices in the Uffizi and Pitti Palace.
Enjoy unique views of the Florentine cityscape, including the Arno River, and Ponte before concluding your tour at Boboli Gardens.

Inclusions #

3-hour private tour
Skip-the-line access to Uffizi Gallery & Vasari Corridor
English/Spanish/French/Italian-speaking guide (as per the option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Join a small-group guided tour and skip long queues, to access Uffizi and the Vasari Corridor.

Start at the Uffizi Gallery, which houses masterpieces like Self-Portrait by Raphael, The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, and more.
Walk along the iconic Vasari Corridor, which has reopened to the public after 8 years, with your group of 10 people and an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide.
Admire the Vasari passage's architectural details, such as the passage around Mannelli Tower, while enjoying panoramic views of Florence.
End your experience at Buontalenti Grotto, situated inside the beautiful Boboli Gardens.

####### Need to know

This tour does not operate on Mondays.
The tour is not accessible to people with disabilities, wheelchairs, and mobility issues.
During the Vasari Corridor tour, your guide will not be able to explain anything, but will follow you along the way, pointing out the sights and points of interest.
The time of admission to the Vasari Corridor can vary from the one mentioned online due to difficulties in managing access to the secret passage. In that case, you will be informed about the change in schedule immediately.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of Uffizi Gallery & Vasari Corridor with skip-the-line entry
Small-group tour of 10 people
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide
Earphones for groups larger than 6 people

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Discover Florence’s artistic legacy with a 3-hour private guided tour of the Vasari Corridor and Uffizi Gallery. With priority access, get hassle-free entry.
Don't let language get in the way! Choose from Spanish, Italian, English, or French, and enjoy spirited conversations with your guide.
See Italian Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Admire works by Botticelli, Correggio, Da Vinci, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Filippo Lippi, Mantegna and more.
Walk through the Vasari Corridor, built in 1565 as a private passageway for the Medici family to move between their offices in the Uffizi and Pitti Palace.
Enjoy unique views of the Florentine cityscape, including the Arno River, and Ponte before concluding your tour at Boboli Gardens.

Inclusions #

3-hour private tour
Skip-the-line access to Uffizi Gallery & Vasari Corridor
English/Spanish/French/Italian-speaking guide (as per the option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Join a small-group guided tour and skip long queues, to access Uffizi and the Vasari Corridor.

Start at the Uffizi Gallery, which houses masterpieces like Self-Portrait by Raphael, The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, and more.
Walk along the iconic Vasari Corridor, which has reopened to the public after 8 years, with your group of 10 people and an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide.
Admire the Vasari passage's architectural details, such as the passage around Mannelli Tower, while enjoying panoramic views of Florence.
End your experience at Buontalenti Grotto, situated inside the beautiful Boboli Gardens.

####### Need to know

This tour does not operate on Mondays.
The tour is not accessible to people with disabilities, wheelchairs, and mobility issues.
During the Vasari Corridor tour, your guide will not be able to explain anything, but will follow you along the way, pointing out the sights and points of interest.
The time of admission to the Vasari Corridor can vary from the one mentioned online due to difficulties in managing access to the secret passage. In that case, you will be informed about the change in schedule immediately.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of Uffizi Gallery & Vasari Corridor with skip-the-line entry
Small-group tour of 10 people
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide
Earphones for groups larger than 6 people

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Private Tours

Private Tour of Vasari Corridor and Uffizi Gallery

Discover Florence’s artistic legacy with a 3-hour private guided tour of the Vasari Corridor and Uffizi Gallery. With priority access, get hassle-free entry.
Don't let language get in the way! Choose from Spanish, Italian, English, or French, and enjoy spirited conversations with your guide.
See Italian Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Admire works by Botticelli, Correggio, Da Vinci, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Filippo Lippi, Mantegna and more.
Walk through the Vasari Corridor, built in 1565 as a private passageway for the Medici family to move between their offices in the Uffizi and Pitti Palace.
Enjoy unique views of the Florentine cityscape, including the Arno River, and Ponte before concluding your tour at Boboli Gardens.

‌

Check availability

3 hr.

Guided tour

Guided Tours

Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor Small-Group Guided Tour

Join a small-group guided tour and skip long queues, to access Uffizi and the Vasari Corridor.

Start at the Uffizi Gallery, which houses masterpieces like Self-Portrait by Raphael, The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, and more.
Walk along the iconic Vasari Corridor, which has reopened to the public after 8 years, with your group of 10 people and an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide.
Admire the Vasari passage's architectural details, such as the passage around Mannelli Tower, while enjoying panoramic views of Florence.
End your experience at Buontalenti Grotto, situated inside the beautiful Boboli Gardens.

####### Need to know

This tour does not operate on Mondays.
The tour is not accessible to people with disabilities, wheelchairs, and mobility issues.
During the Vasari Corridor tour, your guide will not be able to explain anything, but will follow you along the way, pointing out the sights and points of interest.
The time of admission to the Vasari Corridor can vary from the one mentioned online due to difficulties in managing access to the secret passage. In that case, you will be informed about the change in schedule immediately.

‌

Check availability

3 hr.

Vasari Corridor Tickets

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Walk through history: Vasari Corridor reopens after 8 years