On December 21, 2024, the Vasariano Corridor, designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1565, will be accessible to the public for the first time. This aerial walkway connects the Uffizi Gallery to Palazzo Pitti, allowing visitors to experience its architectural significance after an extensive eight-year renovation.
The announcement of the corridor's reopening coincides with the removal of a crane that has occupied the Uffizi square for years, marking a significant milestone in the management of the Florence museum, led by director Simone Verde. The renovation involved a public investment of around 10 million euros, complemented by a donation of 1 million dollars from U.S. entrepreneur Skip Avansino.
The corridor spans approximately 750 meters of pure, essential architecture, featuring unobtrusive enhancements for climate control, lighting, and safety. Visitors will navigate the restored terracotta floors and enjoy views of the Santa Felicita Church and the iconic Ponte Vecchio through generous windows.
The reopening date is significant, as it mirrors the original inauguration of the corridor on December 18, 1565, which was completed in record time. The project is celebrated as a gift to the legacy of Giorgio Vasari and Cosimo I de' Medici, reinforcing the corridor's status as a symbol of Tuscan identity.
For the first time ever, the Vasariano Corridor will be open to the public, highlighting Florence's rich architectural history and enhancing its cultural offerings.