The Vasari Corridor in Florence

The Vasari Corridor in Florence is a kilometer long passageway which starts in Palazzo Vecchio (on the first floor of the Uffizi Gallery) and reaches the Pitti Palace.

Built in 1564 by Giorgio Vasari, it was ready by the time of the wedding of Francesco I de' Medici and Joanna of Austria, and it served to link the Pitti Palace, where the Grand Duke lived, with the Uffizi (old Tuscan word for offices), where he worked.

You can enjoy some magnificent views over the city from the round windows along the Corridor, not to mention the fact the passageway contains over 1000 paintings, swhich date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. In addition to this, you can also see a special and very unique collection of artists’ self-portraits. This latter collection is one of the most complete in all Europe, even if not all the paintings are on display due to lack of space.

This collection, unique in the world, was created by Cardinal Leopoldo de' Medici in the mid 17th century. It displays self-portraits by Andrea del Sarto, Beccafumi, Bernini, Annibale Carracci, Guido Reni, Salvator Rosa, Rubens, Canova, Hayez, Corot, Ingres, Delacroix, Ensor and many others.

After taking just a few steps, you easily reach the area which has been heavily damaged by a terrorist attack commissioned by the Italian mafia in 1993. In May 26, 1993, at night, a car full of explosive was set off next to the Torre dei Pulci. Five people died, many others were injured and several houses and building were damaged, including this section of the Uffizi Gallery. A lot of he paintings located in the Corridor were destroyed, even though some of them have been pieced back together and hung back on the wall, as a reminder of the horrible attack.

You will also pass through the inside of Santa Felicita Church and the Gucciardini's house before reaching the Boboli Gardens. Take as many pictures as you can, because the Corridor is a very cool way to explore the city from a different perspective, plus you will feel like the Big Brother spying on the people from the top.

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At the moment, the Vasari Corridor can only be opened up to groups with reservations, everyday from March 19th to October 31st. You have 2 options:

• STANDARD TOUR: it runs at 3.30pm and it lasts 3 hours
• UPGRADE TOUR: it runs at 8.00 am and it lasts 4 hours, having a 2 hour visit of the Uffizi Gallery and breakfast on the terrace included.

The ticket is expensive, so don't be surprise when you read 85€.