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.

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.