Origins and History of the Vasari Corridor
The Vasari Corridor is a 16th-century elevated enclosed passageway in Florence, Italy. Designed by the architect Giorgio Vasari, the structure was commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de' Medici in 1564. The primary purpose of the construction was to allow the Duke to move between his various residences undisturbed. By providing a private route, the corridor enabled the ruler to travel from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti without entering the public streets.
The construction of the passageway was completed in 1565 to commemorate the marriage of Francesco I de' Medici and Johanna of Austria. Spanning approximately one kilometer, the corridor provides a direct link between the seat of government and the Medici's residential complex. It winds through the city, crossing the Arno River at the Ponte Vecchio and passing over several houses in the Oltrarno district.
The Architecture of the Elevated Passageway
Designed by Giorgio Vasari, the Vasari Corridor is an elevated enclosed passageway that facilitates movement between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti. The structure begins by passing the south side of the Palazzo Vecchio and joins the Uffizi Gallery. From there, the route crosses the Lungarno degli Archibusieri and the river Arno at the Ponte Vecchio. The path is approximately one kilometer in length.
The architectural layout follows the existing urban fabric of Florence. The corridor winds around the Torre dei Mannelli using brackets and snakes over the houses of the Oltrarno district. In certain sections, the passage becomes narrower as it traverses the residential buildings. The design includes a balcony positioned over the loggiato of Santa Felicita, which allowed the Grand Duke's family to follow religious services from a private vantage point.
The Collection of Self-Portraits
The corridor is lined with a collection of self-portraits that spans from the early Renaissance period through to the post-1945 era. This assembly was established in the mid-17th century by Cardinal Leopoldo de' Medici. The selection follows a specific organization, arranged both chronologically and by artistic schools. Visitors move through a sequence that begins with the Florentine school and transitions into the Venetian school, followed by various foreign and modern schools.
The arrangement allows for a direct comparison of how artists perceived their own likeness and professional identity across centuries. While the Florentine school often emphasized precision in drawing, the Venetian school frequently prioritized the application of color. The collection includes works such as:
- Self-portrait, 1840 - Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
- Self-portrait, 1860 - Eugène Delacroix
- Self-portrait, 1697 - Adriaen van der Werff
- Self-portrait, 1716 - Hyacinthe Rigaud
- Self-portrait, 1667 - Giovanni Battista Gaulli
- Self-portrait, 1675 - Jacques Courtois
These paintings often depict the artist with the tools of their trade or in a manner that reflects their social standing. The progression of styles within the corridor provides a visual record of the evolution of portraiture from the Renaissance to the modern age.
Recent Projects and Reopening Details
The Vasari Corridor has remained closed to the public since 2016 due to safety requirements. Following a period of necessary maintenance and structural assessment, the passageway is scheduled to reopen. An official inauguration is set for December 20, 2024. The corridor will open to visitors on December 21, 2024.
Access to the corridor is strictly regulated. Starting Tuesday, December 10, 2024, reservations are mandatory for all visitors. Entry is organized into specific time slots to manage the flow of people through the elevated passage. The first group of visitors is scheduled to enter at 10:15 AM, and the final group is scheduled for 4:35 PM.
