History of the Vasari Corridor | Florence’s Hidden Passage

Year: 1565

The Vasari Corridor was created as a private passageway for the Medici family, allowing them to travel from the Uffizi Gallery, where they conducted state business, to their residence at the Palazzo Pitti. Designed by Giorgio Vasari, the corridor was constructed to be a hidden and secure route. The walkway extends over the Ponte Vecchio and offers stunning views of Florence, including its iconic landmarks like Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio. A distinctive feature was its arrangement through the Ponte Vecchio, where the Medici altered the bridge's shops to allow for the passageway.

Year: 1664

Cardinal Leopoldo de’ Medici, a prominent member of the Medici family, began the installation of self-portraits in the Vasari Corridor with the aim of creating one of the largest and most significant collections of its kind in the world. This collection grew over time, with more than 200 self-portraits.

Year: 1737

The Medici family’s rule in Florence ended in 1737, with the death of Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, the last member of the family. However, the family’s legacy lived on through their art and the collection of treasures they bequeathed to the city, ensuring that their cultural and artistic influence remained. The Vasari Corridor continued to function as a private passageway but gradually began to attract more attention from the public as Florence’s role as a cultural center grew.

Year: 1938

During Adolf Hitler's visit to Italy, the Vasari Corridor was altered for his convenience. It is believed that some of the central windows in the Vasari Corridor were specially enlarged to offer Hitler an impressive view of the city, reflecting his connection to Mussolini's regime.

Additionally, many paintings were moved to the Uffizi for protection from bombings.

Year: 1944

During the 'Night of the Bridges' on August 3-4, retreating Nazi forces blew up all Florence's bridges to hinder the advancing Allied troops preparing to liberate the city. Hitler, admiring the view and aware of the artwork stored in the Vasari Corridor, ordered that the Ponte Vecchio be spared by retreating troops. It remains the only bridge in Florence untouched by the war.

Year: 1993

In 1993, the Vasari Corridor became a casualty of the political turbulence of the time when it was damaged during a bombing aimed at the Uffizi Gallery. The bombing was carried out by the Mafia, with the intention of striking at the cultural heart of Florence. The explosion caused significant damage to the corridor and surrounding buildings, but thanks to careful restoration work, much of the corridor was preserved. During this restoration, experts worked to maintain the corridor’s historical integrity while repairing the damages caused by the bombing.

Year: 2016

The Vasari Corridor was temporarily closed to the public for safety reasons and extensive restoration work. The closure was necessary to preserve the corridor’s architectural integrity, which had been affected by time, environmental factors, and previous damage. The restoration focused on ensuring the safety of both the structure and the valuable art collection housed within, including its frescoes and ceilings.