This incredible secret passage has linked the jewels of Florence since the Renaissance: it opens to the public

Get lost in the bowels of the city. In the center of Florence, Italy, the mysterious Vasari Corridor now gives tourists this opportunity to explore the capital of Tuscany in a unique way. Built in the 16th century, it was initially designed to allow elites to move around out of sight. Since its reopening on December 21, after eight years of work, it has revealed its secrets to visitors for the first time.

Historical heritage

Commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici almost 500 years ago, the Vasari Corridor connects the city’s most renowned sites: Palazzo Vecchio, political center, Palazzo Pitti, Medici residence surrounded by the magnificent Boboli Gardens , and the Uffizi Gallery, one of the richest and most famous painting collections in the world. This protected route prevented the sovereign family from being exposed to crowds or possible attacks.

Crossing the top of Ponte Vecchio, the 73 windows of the passage overlooking the Arno River offer breathtaking views of the historic center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the record, these were added on Mussolini’s orders to impress Adolf Hitler, who spared this bridge during the bombings. It was the only one in the city not to have been destroyed during the Second World War.

“A masterpiece within a masterpiece”

In total, the path includes 106 steps, all downhill, with stair lifts for people with reduced mobility. Formerly covered with more than a thousand works of art, notably self-portraits, the walls are now bare, returned to their original appearance, to go back in time on a stroll and admire Florence far from the tumult of the city. “It’s a masterpiece within a masterpiece“, declared the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, to AFP. Closed since 2016, the place has been completely restored to meet safety standards, requiring nearly 10 million euros of work.

Currently, access is by reservation only and costs €43, including a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. Also note: there is no explanatory sign along the route and there are no guided tours, so it is strongly recommended to find out about the history of the site before exploring it. Also be careful about the ticket time, because it is not possible to return to the museum after crossing the corridor.

Subject to availability, visitors wishing to use the Corridor and already holding a ticket for the gallery do not need to buy another one, but only add €20 more. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, although reservations often sell out well in advance. Will the site become a must-see attraction in the city? For the moment, it promises to seduce those most passionate about history and enigmas…

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