The Vasari Corridor in Florence: what a treasure!

The Vasari Corridor in Florence is a kilometer long passageway that connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace, and the entrance is located on the first floor of the museum.

You will be able to admire a collection of artwork which are displayed along the Corridor’s walls. They date back the 16th and 17th centuries, and in addition to this, you can also see a special and very unique collection of artists’ self-portraits, including works by Andrea del Sarto or Chagall.

This latter collection is one of the most complete in all Europe, even if many paintings are not on display due to lack of space. It is a pity, since all these self-portraits started to be collected during the 17th century by Cardinal Leopoldo de’ Medici.

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.

During the night of May 26, 1993, there was a car full of explosive which was set off next to the Torre dei Pulci, and 5 people died. Many others were injured and several houses were damaged, including this section of the Uffizi Gallery.

As far as it concerns the damage of the Corridor, several artworks were destroyed by the explosion. Luckily, some of them have been pieced back together and they are still there on the wall, as a reminder of the horrible attack.

Not only the magnificent works of art on display make the Corridor interesting and beautiful, but also its privileged position: you feel like you can pass through some of the most beautiful areas of Florence’s city center simply by walking over the heads of the people below.

You then become a sort of Big Brother, a spy who watch over everyone down the street.