Medici's Secret Corridor of Power

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.

Your journey along the Vasari Corridor

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.

Visit Uffizi

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.

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.

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.

Visit Pitti Palace

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.

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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.