The Vasari Corridor was constructed in just nine months by order of Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1565, based on a design by the architect Giorgio Vasari, who had already begun work on the Uffizi Palace. This project was commissioned in conjunction with the wedding of the duke’s son, Francesco, to the Archduchess Joanna of Austria.
The Origins of the Vasari Corridor
The idea of an elevated walkway originated as a means for the grand dukes to move freely and safely between their residence and the government palace. This was particularly significant due to the uncertain support from the population for the new duke and his government, which had abolished the ancient Florentine Republic, even though its republican institutions had been largely symbolic for nearly a century. The corridor also provided a faster alternative to carriage travel, which at the time had to cross the Santa Trinita Bridge since the area around the Old Market, including Por Santa Maria and the Ponte Vecchio, was largely impassable.
Construction Milestones
Construction of the corridor was remarkably swift: the project began on March 12, 1565, and was completed by December 17 of the same year, excluding the installation of window fittings, which were added in December 1568.
Transformations Along the Ponte Vecchio
The meat and fish market that took place on the Ponte Vecchio was relocated to avoid unpleasant odors for the grand duke’s passage. In its place, goldsmiths’ shops were installed, which continue to occupy the bridge to this day.
Architectural Challenges
Vasari faced challenges when constructing the corridor around the de’ Mannelli Tower at the end of the Ponte Vecchio due to the strong opposition of the owning family. To address this, he designed a system of corbels to bypass the tower.
Reopening to the Public
After several years of restoration, the Vasari Corridor will reopen to visitors on December 21, 2024.
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