Vasari Corridor in Florence: Secret Passageway Tour & Self-Portrait Visit
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Tucked above the bustling streets of Florence like a secret passage from a fairytale, the Vasari Corridor is one of the city’s most magical hidden gems! And it’s one of the best things to do and see in Florence! Commissioned by the ever-so-stylish Cosimo I de’ Medici and designed by the brilliant Giorgio Vasari in 1565, this elevated walkway is the ultimate VIP shortcut.
It connects the grand Palazzo Vecchio with the Uffizi Gallery and stretches all the way over the charming Ponte Vecchio to the lavish Palazzo Pitti. Talk about a dramatic entrance!
Built initially to allow the Medici to walk safely (and secretly) between palaces, today it’s an enchanting glimpse into the past. Imagine strolling through the same corridor where dukes once plotted and painted!
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just someone who loves a dreamy city walk, the Vasari Corridor is a must-visit on your Florence itinerary. Trust me, your inner Renaissance queen will thank you!
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Welcome to Florence Awaits!
My name is Allie.
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Tickets to Vasari Corridor >
Standard adult for guided tour + entrance to Uffizi: 45-70 euros.
Adress:
Piazza degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze Fl, Italy
Transportation:
From Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station (main station): Walking: 15-20 min.
Nearby:
Duomo Florence: 8-10 minute walk.
Uffizi Gallery: directly connected.
Ponte Vecchio: 3 minute walk.
Palazzo Pitti: 5 minute walk.
Palazzo Vecchio: 2-minute walk.
Boboli Gardens: 6-minute walk.
Santa Croce Basilica: 9-minute walk.
Recommended exploration time:
Vasari Corridor + Uffizi: 1.5-2.5 hours
Nearby Sights (optional add-ons):
Boboli Gardens: 1.5-2 hours
Wander nearby squares & Ponte Vecchio: 1-2 hours
Opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 8:15 AM – 6:30 PM. Last entry at 5:30 PM
Holidays: Varies
What Is the Vasari Corridor?
Imagine a royal family wanting to avoid the city’s chaos (and maybe a few enemies) while still getting from their workplace to their palace. That’s precisely why Cosimo I de’ Medici commissioned the architect Giorgio Vasari to design this sky-high hallway in 1565.
The result? A private, elevated corridor stretching nearly a kilometer (about 3,300 feet!) from the Palazzo Vecchio, through the Uffizi, over the Ponte Vecchio, and ending at the Pitti Palace, right next to the dreamy Boboli Gardens.
This passageway isn’t just a quirky architectural feature—it’s a literal walk through Renaissance power, politics, and prestige. Today, it’s one of Florence’s most unique experiences.
Why Is It So Special?
Here’s the tea: for centuries, the Vasari Corridor was closed to the public. It was strictly a Medici family affair, giving them the freedom to walk between palaces unnoticed, observe the citizens below, and (fun fact!) skip the fishy smells of the Ponte Vecchio’s butchers by replacing them with fancy goldsmiths—how very on-brand.
Now that it’s open for guided tours again, visitors can step into a space that feels frozen in time. The corridor offers rare views over Florence and the Arno, and it’s home to a precious collection of self-portraits by some of the world’s most iconic artists.
A Walk Through Art History: The Self-Portrait Collection
If you’re a fan of faces (especially famous ones), you’re going to love this. The Vasari Corridor holds a dazzling collection of self-portraits, one of the most impressive in the world! From Rembrandt to Delacroix to modern-day legends, artists from across centuries have captured their own likenesses and placed them right here.
There’s something deeply personal and magical about seeing how artists viewed themselves—no filters, just brushstrokes. This collection gives you a peek into the human side of art history, and it’s one of the things that makes the corridor extra special.
(This “selfie” cracks me up, lol!)
What You'll See on the Tour
Get ready for serious royal vibes. Here’s a sneak peek of what your Vasari Corridor adventure might include:
Hidden passage views: Watch the city from above through tiny corridor windows.
Ponte Vecchio from the inside: Walk above the shops you normally stroll past.
Art, art, and more art: That glorious collection of self-portraits is a showstopper.
Medici secrets: Your guide will spill the tea on royal drama, intrigue, and the corridor’s secret uses.
Rare access: You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a part of Florence few ever get to see.
It’s like time-traveling through a private art gallery suspended above one of Italy’s most beloved cities.
Don't Miss: Uffizi + Vasari Combo.
Since the Vasari Corridor connects directly to the Uffizi, many tours include both. This is an absolute win if you love art and want to make the most of your museum day! You’ll start in the iconic Uffizi Gallery, soaking up masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci, before heading into the corridor for that secret skywalk moment.
Tip: Wear comfy shoes—you’ll be doing a lot of fabulous walking!
Family-Friendly Fun? Absolutely!
If you’re traveling with your family, this is a great way to get kids interested in history and art without boring them to tears. The hidden-tunnel vibe gives off major “spy movie” energy, and the portraits are full of wild hairstyles, dramatic outfits, and expressive faces that are fun for all ages.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Travel Buddies
Architect Giorgio Vasari designed the corridor in just five months. No big deal.
It was completed just in time for the wedding of Cosimo’s son, Francesco I.
The corridor was damaged during World War II, but parts of it miraculously survived.
Today, it’s one of the most unique museum experiences in the world.
After Your Tour: Where to Go Next?
Once you’ve walked the same secret path as the Medici dukes, keep the royal vibes going:
Pitti Palace – The Vasari Corridor leads you straight into this Renaissance treasure trove.
Boboli Gardens – Just outside the palace, these lush gardens are perfect for a post-tour picnic or a dreamy stroll.
Gelato break – You earned it! There are lots of cute spots nearby.
Why You Have to Visit the Vasari Corridor
There’s something spine-tingling about stepping into a part of history that was off-limits for so long. The Vasari Corridor isn’t just a hallway—it’s a private peek into Florence’s soul. With its secret views, glittering collection of self-portraits, and royal backstory, this passageway is pure magic.
Whether you’re an art-lover, a history nerd, or just looking for something extra special to do in Italy, a tour of the Vasari Corridor will leave you totally enchanted.
So go ahead—grab your guide, book those tickets, and prepare for one of the most unforgettable walks in Florence!
Tickets & Führungen
FAQ
Where is the entrance to the Vasari Corridor?
The official entrance is inside the Uffizi Gallery, specifically in Room D19 (Venetian Chapel) on the first floor. Access is only allowed via guided tours.
Can I visit the Vasari Corridor on my own?
No. The Vasari Corridor can only be visited with a licensed guided tour to protect the fragile artwork and manage the limited daily entries.
How do I book a tour of the Vasari Corridor?
Tours can be booked through official museum websites or reputable third-party platforms. It’s strongly recommended to book in advance, as spots are limited and fill up quickly.
What’s included in a typical Vasari Corridor tour?
Most tours include:
Entry to the Uffizi Gallery
A guided walk through the Vasari Corridor
Access to the self-portrait collection
Rare views over Florence and the Arno River
Some also include entrance to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.
How much does it cost to visit the Vasari Corridor?
Prices vary depending on the tour provider, but here’s a general range:
Adults: €45–€70
EU Students (with ID): €25–€40
Children under 18: Often free (check with your provider)
Is the Vasari Corridor family-friendly?
Yes! The hidden tunnel vibe and dramatic history make it fun and engaging for kids. Many families find it a unique way to introduce children to art and history.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfy shoes – there’s a fair amount of walking
Valid ID – especially for student or youth discounts
No large bags – they may not be allowed inside
Camera/phone – photos may be restricted in some areas, but you’ll want to capture the views!
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