Florence is welcoming visitors back to one of its most fabled Renaissance landmarks, the Vasari Corridor, which reopens on December 23 after extensive restoration. This raised passageway, designed in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari, a celebrated architect, painter, and art historian, connects the Uffizi Galleries to the Medici family’s former residence, Palazzo Pitti. It was commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici to allow Florence’s rulers to move discreetly between their home and the government offices at Palazzo Vecchio.
Stretching over one kilometer, the corridor weaves its way through central Florence, crossing the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and offering breathtaking views of the Arno River. Often referred to as an “air tunnel,” it hovers over the heart of the city, providing an unparalleled experience of Florence’s architectural and historic grandeur.
The Uffizi Galleries, which manages the Vasari Corridor, oversaw the restoration and safety upgrades, a project costing €11 million. The refurbishment involved stripping the corridor’s walls of the self-portrait collection it had hosted in recent decades. Instead, the walls were returned to their original, minimalist state, reflecting the aesthetic of five centuries ago.
Simone Verde, head of the Uffizi Galleries, emphasized the significance of the reopening, describing the corridor as “one of the most famous and fabled monuments of the Renaissance.” Its restoration restores a key piece of Florence’s cultural heritage to the public, inviting visitors to step into history.
Starting Saturday, the corridor will accommodate groups of up to 25 people at a time. Visitors will be able to traverse the passage from the Uffizi Galleries to the Boboli Gardens at Palazzo Pitti, crossing from the Arno’s right bank to its left. The combined ticket, which includes access to the Uffizi’s world-renowned art collection featuring works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Titian, is priced at €43 and must be booked in advance.
Closed since 2016, the reopening of the Vasari Corridor marks a momentous occasion for Florence, offering an intimate journey through its Renaissance history and architectural marvels. For history and art enthusiasts alike, this is an experience not to be missed.
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