The Vasari Corridor: open at last, so should you visit?

After nine long years of restoration and near endless controversies, the Vasari Corridor has finally reopened! Designed in 1565 by architect Giorgio Vasari (because who else?) at the request of Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, this elevated passageway was the ultimate VIP fast track, connecting Palazzo Vecchio—then the Medici family’s headquarters—to the Pitti Palace across the Arno.

The Vasari Corridor

More than just a convenience, the corridor was a power move, allowing the Medici to glide above the crowded streets without rubbing elbows with commoners. For centuries, the only way in was a personal invitation from the duke himself. Today, the good news is that no aristocratic connections are needed, just €47 for the special Uffizi and Corridor ticket will do the trick.

Should you visit?

So, should you visit? Since we are not on the Uffizi’s payroll, our answer is neither a definitive yes nor a firm no—it really depends. The corridor certainly offers some picturesque views of the Arno River, and there is an undeniable charm in strolling from one grand palace to another without ever setting foot on the streets.

But beyond that? If we’re being honest, not much. The museum’s decision to keep the corridor empty does preserve its historical character, but it also means that, once you’ve admired the views, there is little else to engage with.

Ultimately, the Vasari Corridor is a fascinating slice of Florentine history, but whether it’s a must-see depends on what kind of traveler you are. If you’re a Florence aficionado, a Medici enthusiast, or simply someone with an insatiable curiosity for historical oddities, then it’s definitely worth the visit. Walking in the footsteps of dukes while enjoying unique views of the city is an experience you won’t find elsewhere.

However, if your itinerary is already packed with museums and day trips, skipping the corridor won’t be a tragic loss. Florence has no shortage of wonders, and missing out on an empty (albeit historic) hallway won’t leave a gaping hole in your experience. In the end, it’s a nice-to-have, not a must-have—unless, of course, you really want to feel like a Medici for half an hour.

A true walk through time

If you choose to book a visit to the corridor, we’ll be delighted to guide you, bringing history to life with fascinating facts and intriguing curiosities that will transform your experience into a true walk through time.