Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano)

The basics

Long closed for renovations, this unique walkway is now only accessible via timed entrance tickets for groups of up to 25 people—making gallery visits a rare and coveted experience, and booking in advance is a must. A literal walk through history, the route takes visitors from the Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi) across the river in an enclosed passageway running atop the Ponte Vecchio. It connects to the Church of Santa Felicita and into the Boboli Garden (Giardino di Boboli), as it extends to the interior of the Pitti Palace. Vasari Corridor admission can be combined with an Uffizi Galleries tour and a guided tour of the Pitti Palace museums.

Things to know before you go

• Vasari Corridor tours are fast-paced—visitors are allowed about 45 minutes inside—but the new renovations have made the walkway accessible to wheelchairs.

• The tour is one-way, beginning inside the gallery and ending in the Boboli Gardens near the Buontalenti Grotto.

• Tours are managed by the directorate of the Uffizi Galleries and do not include explanations of the works of art by the museum staff. The group is simply accompanied along the route and must stay together.

• Vasari Corridor ticket prices include admission to the Uffizi Galleries two hours before the Vasari Corridor pass entrance time to permit visitors to explore the museum.

• Visitors who are asked to check large bags will have to make their own way back to the Uffizi Galleries to collect their belongings.

How to get there

The entrance to the Vasari Corridor is on the first floor of the Uffizi Galleries, located in the heart of Florence next to the Palazzo Vecchio. The museum is a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station. From there, walk down Via Cerretani until you reach Piazza del Duomo and then take Via Calzaiuoli toward Piazza della Signoria. When facing Palazzo Vecchio, head to the right to find the Uffizi Galleries.

When to get there

Access to the Vasari Corridor is only available via advance reservations as part of group tours led by museum staff, so crowds are not an issue even in the summer; you can expect a quiet visit. However, space is limited and time slots frequently sell out, so if you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or fall, when there is more demand, be sure to book your spot ahead of time.

Renovations of the Vasari Corridor

Once more than 1,000 artworks line the corridor halls, but the extensive renovations completed in 2024 brought the passageway back to its original bare state. In addition, ramps and elevators were built to make the corridor accessible, lighting was updated, and emergency exits and restrooms were added for the safety and comfort of visitors.

Ways to explore

To visit the historic passageway, you’ll need to buy a combination ticket for the Uffizi Galleries and Vasari Corridor, with an option to add the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens to your visit. Only 25 people are admitted to the corridor at a time, which means booking in advance is a must.

You can also leave the logistics to a guide by booking a Uffizi Galleries tour that shows you the museum’s top masterpieces before heading to the corridor. For more Renaissance history, join a Medici-themed walking tour that passes by the family’s former haunts in Florence.

Accessibility

The Vasari Corridor is wheelchair accessible by elevator to the Uffizi Galleries’ second floor. Visitors with limited mobility may bring their own wheelchair or borrow one from the museum.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Only bring essentials you can carry, as you’ll have to leave larger items in the Uffizi cloakroom and walk back to get them at the end of your visit.

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, clothing appropriate for the formal historical setting

Not allowed

Bulky bags and items, photography for professional purposes, lingering past your allotted visit time

Amenities

You can access the restrooms and cafés in the Uffizi Galleries and Pitti Palace at the beginning and end of your visit.

Address

The one-way Vasari Corridor starts inside the Uffizi Galleries and ends in the Pitti Palace. Located near the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Galleries are easy to reach on foot. You can also get there by taxi or bus.

Driving

You will need a special permit to drive in most parts of Florence’s historic center. Instead of risking a traffic ticket, it’s best to take a cab to the Vasari Corridor.

Public transportation

The C1 bus runs north–south through central Florence and drops passengers just outside the museum at the Galleria degli Uffizi stop. Tickets can be purchased via Autolinee Toscane’s “at bus” app or at a tobacco shop (tabaccheria).

Best times to visit

You can only access the Vasari Corridor with a timed entry ticket, so go whenever you can get a reservation.

Best days to visit

Save money by visiting the Vasari Corridor on free-admission days (the first Sunday of every month), but be sure to book your ticket in advance.

Best months to visit

Visiting groups are capped at 25 people per time slot, so you can expect a calm experience year-round. However, the covered walkway is a nice respite from Florence’s summer heat.

Special events

The Vasari Corridor occasionally offers evening visits, allowing you to see the sunset from the passageway’s riverside windows. The schedule is updated on the attraction’s website.