In a historic shift, the doors of one of Florence’s most fascinating hidden gems are swinging open to the public for the very first time. The Vasari Corridor, a clandestine passageway used for centuries by the rich and powerful to traverse the city in secrecy, has been the exclusive domain of dukes, dictators, and the societal elite – until now.
A Renaissance Marvel Revealed
This elevated 750-meter walkway, designed by renowned Renaissance architect Giorgio Vasari, was commissioned in 1565 by Cosimo I de’ Medici, the influential second duke of Florence. It was constructed in a mere five months, an architectural feat celebrating the marriage of Cosimo’s son Francesco I to Joanna of Austria.
But the corridor served a dual purpose – not only did it provide a grand promenade for the nuptial festivities, but it also granted the Medici ruler a protected route from his residence in the opulent Pitti Palace to his governmental headquarters at the Uffizi, shielding him from the masses and potential assailants.
The idea is not just to open the corridor, which in itself has an importance, but also to show to the public the connection between the various souls of this monumental complex and its collections.
– Simone Verde, Director of the Uffizi Galleries
A Secret Window to the City
As they strolled through the passageway, high above the bustling streets, the duke and his esteemed guests could marvel at the splendors of Florence through 73 small windows lining the route. But for Cosimo, these apertures served another purpose – to keep a watchful eye on his subjects, unseen.
The corridor even featured a concealed balcony overlooking the Santa Felicita church, allowing the Medicis to attend mass without mingling with the congregation below. Such was the privilege and power afforded by this covert corridor.
Whispers of Dukes and Dictators
Over the centuries, the Vasari Corridor bore witness to the footsteps of Florence’s most illustrious and infamous figures. In 1938, the ruthless dictator Benito Mussolini had the central windows enlarged, granting his guest Adolf Hitler a more breathtaking view during the Nazi leader’s visit.
In recent decades, access to the corridor was restricted to study groups and the occasional private tour. Its walls once adorned with over a thousand 16th-century paintings, the passageway now stands bare, awaiting a new chapter in its storied history.
Surviving the Tides of Time
The Vasari Corridor has endured the ravages of war and the relentless march of time. In August 1944, as retreating German troops razed the bridges of Florence, the Ponte Vecchio and its adjoining corridor were the sole survivors, spared from destruction.
But the passageway did not emerge unscathed from the 20th century. On May 26, 1993, a car bomb detonated beneath the corridor, killing five people in a mafia-orchestrated attack aimed at challenging the authority of the Italian state.
The intention of the attack wasn’t to destroy the corridor but to demonstrate to the state that the mafia was stronger.
– Simona Pasquinucci, Art Historian and Curator at the Uffizi Galleries
A New Era of Accessibility
Now, following an extensive restoration project designed to enhance safety and security, the Vasari Corridor is ready to welcome the public. Visitors to Florence can experience this marvel of Renaissance ingenuity for themselves, walking in the footsteps of dukes and dictators.
An additional €18 ticket grants entry to the corridor, extending a visit to the sprawling museums of the Uffizi Galleries. Though the passageway remains unadorned for now, plans are underway to transform it into a showcase for art and historical relics.
As the Vasari Corridor embarks on this new chapter, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Florence’s rich history and the timeless appeal of its architectural treasures. No longer shrouded in secrecy, this iconic landmark invites all to experience the intrigue and opulence that once lay hidden within its walls.
