Why the Vasari Corridor in Florence Is a Must-Visit (Especially If You Love Art, History, or the Medici)
If you know me, you know Italy has been a second home to me for most of my life. I’ve been traveling there since I was five years old, made my communion there, and even lived there during university. As a history major and a destination wedding planner who works across this beautiful country—especially Florence—there are few things I love more than discovering (and re-discovering) its historic gems.
Recently, I finally had the chance to experience one of Florence’s most legendary sites: the Vasari Corridor. After years of anticipation (and restoration), it reopened in late 2024 to the public—and let me tell you, it is so worth a visit.
What is the Vasari Corridor?
This nearly kilometer-long elevated walkway connects the Uffizi Gallery to Palazzo Pitti, gracefully arching over the Ponte Vecchio (yes, above the jewelry shops!) and weaving through the rooftops of Florence. It was commissioned in 1565 by Cosimo I de’ Medici of the second Medici dynasty and designed by—you guessed it—Giorgio Vasari, the ultimate Renaissance multi-hyphenate. Even more impressive? Vasari completed the corridor in just five months to be ready for the wedding of Cosimo’s son.
The corridor was built so the Medici could walk between their home and government offices without ever setting foot on the street. Bonus? It included a private balcony in the Church of Santa Felicità, so they could attend mass without mixing with the public. Function, privacy, and style: very on-brand for the Medici.
From Private Passage to Public Treasure
Until recently, the Vasari Corridor could only be toured via private, VIP appointments—and it was famously lined with hundreds of artist self-portraits. But as part of the restoration, the art has now been removed and relocated to preserve it, allowing the architecture and historic route itself to shine.
It’s less about what’s hanging on the walls now, and more about walking the same path the Medici did—from the Uffizi, across the Arno, to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. For a history lover like me, it felt surreal.
Vasari: More Than an Architect
While most know Vasari for the corridor, he was also the world’s first art historian. His iconic book, “Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects,” was published in two editions (1550 and 1568). The latter, considered the definitive version, is now typically split into three volumes and includes over 160 artists, tracing the evolution of art from Cimabue to Michelangelo.
And speaking of Michelangelo—two of my favorite Vasari stories are:
1. He famously documented the feud between Michelangelo and Da Vinci, giving us priceless insight (and gossip) into their rivalry.
2. During a Florentine uprising, someone attacked Michelangelo’s David (which at the time stood outside Palazzo Vecchio), and it was Vasari who saved the statue’s arm. Can you imagine?
Plan Your Visit to the Vasari Corridor
If you’re heading to Florence and want to visit the Vasari Corridor, here’s what you need to know:
• Reservations are required (no walk-ins!)
• Arrive early—Florentine punctuality is real
• Comfortable shoes are a must—it’s a bit of a walk, but absolutely worth it for the views and the vibe
As someone who plans destination weddings in Florence and all over Italy, I’m constantly in awe of the beauty, history, and cultural richness this country offers. The Vasari Corridor is the perfect example of how history and design intersect to create something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re here to get married, honeymoon, or just soak in the art—add this to your list.
Have you walked the corridor? Planning to? I’d love to hear what you think!
