Marvel at the Vasari Corridor on a holiday to Florence, Italy
Published 23 January 2025
Florentine history and art at their best
Reopened to the public in December 2024 after 8 years’ restoration work, the Vasari corridor – architectural masterpiece designed by Gorgio Vasari – is an elevated and enclosed passageway connecting the Pitti Palazzo with the Vecchio Palazzo in Florence. It was commissioned in 1565 by Cosimo de’ Medici, succeeding as second Duke of the Florentine Republic in 1537. The purpose was to allow him and his family safe passage in a turbulent period from the Pitti palace to the government headquarters.
Winding over various houses in the Oltrarno district south of the river Arno, the passageway crosses at the Ponte Vecchio over a series of jewellery shops. Later, in the 17th century, a collection of self-portraits was hung along the passageways wall from the Medici art collection.
What we can arrange for you
We can organise a luxury holiday to Florence including flights, hotel transfers and a special ticket for seeing the Vasari corridor. Reservations are required for access which we can pre-book; a single ticket for the Uffizi gallery includes admission to the Vasari Corridor. With this, visitors can enjoy a fascinating, panoramic exploration of the Uffizi art collections, Boboli gardens and Pitti Palace. This is a wonderful testament to Florentine art and history, which we thoroughly recommend you visit.
Occupying a 15th-century building with classical Florentine architecture, the Hotel Bernini Palace was once the seat of Italy’s first parliament (1865-1870). Its stunning Sala Parlamento features frescoed ceilings and portraits of figures like Garibaldi and Cavour, providing a beautiful setting for the rich breakfast buffet with local and organic options. Guests are welcomed by a warm atmosphere, reflected in the cosy bar, lounge, and the on-site restaurant, La Chiostrina, which serves refined Tuscan cuisine daily from 19:00 to 22:30.
The hotel’s 74 rooms blend traditional and Tuscan styles, with antique furnishings, Murano chandeliers, and marble bathrooms. Some rooms feature four-poster beds and overlook quaint courtyards. Its prime location and timeless charm make it an ideal retreat for exploring the city.
Final thoughts
Surviving numerous wars and internal conflicts, Vasari’s creation is a must-see for those wanting to immerse themselves in Florence!
