Florence’s Hidden Passages: The Vasari Corridor and Secret Doors

Florence guards a handful of architectural secrets in plain sight — passages, symbols and hidden doors built for reasons of power, protection or simple Renaissance wit.

The Vasari Corridor: a prince’s private escape route

Commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1565, the Vasari Corridor is an elevated, enclosed passageway connecting Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti via the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio — built, as detailed on its Wikipedia page, so the Medici could move across the city unseen and unguarded.

Hidden doors and wine windows

Look closely at the base of certain Florentine palazzi and you may spot a “buchetta del vino” — a small arched wine window once used to sell wine directly from noble cellars during plague years, discreetly bypassing taxed taverns.

This story is part of a wider thread of Florentine folklore — continue with the Pazzi Conspiracy and the Medici’s darkest hour or the ghost lore of Palazzo Vecchio and the Bargello.

Frequently asked questions

What was the purpose of the Vasari Corridor?

It allowed the Medici family to travel privately and securely between their residences and seat of government, without descending into the public streets.

What is a Florentine wine window?

A small historic opening in a palazzo’s façade, originally used to sell wine directly to the street, some of which have recently been reactivated as novelty service points.

Our concierge can secure access to some of these hidden corners of the city, well beyond the standard tourist route.

Prefer a private route through this story instead? Our tailored private tours can be shaped around Florence’s hidden history, paced and narrated for you specifically — or, if a bespoke itinerary isn’t what you need right now, the ready-made option below is a dependable alternative.

Continue the story in person: this highly-rated small-group Uffizi Gallery tour with Vasari Corridor access is one of the best ways to see the art and history of Florence up close — and a practical choice if a fully custom itinerary isn’t in your budget this time.

Want a guidebook to take with you? This Florence & Tuscany travel guide on Amazon is a handy companion for planning your own route through the city.