text Martina Olivieri
Vasari Corridor reopens
How to visit the Vasari Corridor: tickets, times and practical tips for visiting
Starting December 21, the Vasari Corridor at the Uffizi will once again be open to the public, after being closed since 2016 for major safety compliance renovations. This famous "elevated walkway", spanning over 700 meters, offers a unique panoramic stroll above the heart of Florence, connecting the Gallery of Statues and Paintings to the Ponte Vecchio, the Boboli Gardens, and the Pitti Palace.
The reopening is an unmissable opportunity to delve into the history of Florence by walking the very path once used by the Medici rulers to travel quickly and safely between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti.
Find out more about the Vasari Corridor here! You can also check out our latest interview with the Uffizi Director, Simone Verde, here.
Corridoio Vasariano (ph. Pasquale Paradiso) Ticket Price and How to Book a Visit to the Vasari Corridor
Access to the Vasari Corridor requires a €20 supplement in addition to the regular Uffizi Gallery ticket, bringing the total to €47 during high season. Visitors can combine their Uffizi Gallery tour with this unique experience, walking through one of Florence's most fascinating historic pathways overlooking the city center. Advance booking is mandatory, with limited availability to ensure an exclusive and immersive visit. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a masterpiece of Florentine history and architecture!
Visiting Hours and Information for the Vasari Corridor
The Vasari Corridor is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, with the first group entering at 10:15 AM and the last at 4:35 PM. Visits begin in front of the Cappellina Veneziana on the first floor of the Gallery, with staggered entry for groups of up to 25 people, accompanied by two staff members.
The corridor is only accessible in the direction from the Uffizi to the Boboli Gardens; the exit is located near the Grotta Buontalenti, with an escort to the Palazzo Pitti courtyard.
The Uffizi-Vasari ticket allows visitors to explore the Uffizi Gallery up to two hours before their scheduled Vasari Corridor visit. Visitors can purchase no more than 5 tickets at a time, even for different dates. A QR code and a link on the ticket will guide visitors to the access point, with additional information available on the signs in the Gallery.
How the Vasari Corridor Has Changed After Renovations
After eight years of restoration, the Vasari Corridor reopens on December 21, following its closure in 2016 for safety upgrades and restoration. This reopening marks a historic moment for the Uffizi Complex, as emphasized by Simone Verde, the Uffizi Director, who highlighted the strategic significance of reconnecting history with accessibility.
Key Changes:
Universal Accessibility: New ramps, platforms, and elevators make the corridor fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Enhanced Safety: Five new emergency exits have been installed, including one integrated into a pilaster near Ponte Vecchio.
Restoration and Strengthening: The work included anti-seismic reinforcement, as well as the renovation of plasterwork, incannicciato ceilings, and terracotta flooring.
New Pathway: Over 700 paintings, including a significant collection of self-portraits, which were displayed on the walls of the corridor in previous decades, are no longer part of the tour. These self-portraits have been moved to a dedicated section on the first floor of the Gallery of Statues and Paintings.
Unobstructed Views: The windows are no longer screened, allowing for a panoramic view of the historic center of Florence. The corridor returns to its original simplicity, recalling its 16th-century function as a secure passage for the Medici family.
With these changes, the Vasari Corridor now offers a more authentic and accessible experience, preserving its historical significance while enhancing its cultural value.
