Secret Passage for Medici Family Reopens After Restoration

Florence's historic Vasari Corridor has reopened to the public after an eight-year restoration. Once a secret passage for the city's powerful Medici family, the 820-yard walkway now connects the Uffizi Galleries to the Palazzo Pitti, spanning the famous Ponte Vecchio. This reopening offers visitors a new way to experience Florence's art treasures and vistas, making previously restricted views accessible.

The restoration, finalized on December 21, cost about $10.5 million and included modern updates such as ramps and lifts for disabled access, as well as an energy-efficient LED lighting system. Simone Verde, director of the Uffizi Gallery, emphasized that reopening "connects the two fundamental poles" of Florence's art collections, enriching the visitor experience. The passageway allows tourists to roam from the Uffizi Museum through Ponte Vecchio into the lush Boboli Gardens.

Verde affirmed the corridor's potential to transform overtourism into an opportunity. As millions of visitors flock to Florence annually, the corridor offers an alternative route and mitigates congestion while showcasing the Medici and Lorena collections. The renovation ensures increased accessibility and safety while maintaining the corridor's storied past, highlighting Florence's commitment to preserving its Renaissance heritage. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)