Vasari Corridor- hidden passage above the Ponte Vecchio 

The corridor passing above the Loggia di Santà Felicità

The corridor seen on the Buonsignori map from 1584

Seen from Oltrarno, the left side of the river

View from the Ponte Vecchio

I came upon this charming painting by Lilli Elbe while searching for illustrations for this post.

The exit in the Boboli gardens is the little door on the left

The Ponte Vecchio with the Vasari corridor seen from above

The historic Vasari Corridor, a 750-metre elevated passageway that runs above the Ponte Vecchio linking the Uffizi Museum and the Boboli gardens, welcomes visitors again.

After eight years of restoration, the Uffizi reopens the corridor on December 21st. When I explored this passageway years ago, it served as a portrait gallery. Now something just as intriguing awaits. The restoration has chosen to highlight what was always the corridor’s true masterpiece: its 73 windows offering mesmerizing views of Florence’s historic center.

Built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari, the corridor was the ultimate VIP passage for the Medici family – Renaissance Florence’s version of a private security tunnel, if you will.

Restored to its Renaissance splendor after decades of wear, this historical gem now welcomes visitors through Room D19 of the Uffizi. Be sure to book ahead and arrive five minutes before your scheduled tour.Follow in the footsteps of Renaissance Florence’s most powerful dynasty along this private passageway, where sweeping views of the Arno make the €43 ticket a treasure well worth discovering.

Visiting the Vasari Corridor
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, first entry 10:15 AM, last entry 4:35 PM
Closed: Mondays and Uffizi closing days
Tickets: €43 regular admission (includes Uffizi entry)
Booking: €4 advance reservations required