I had an extraordinary stay at Francesco’s Palazzo. The scale of the rooms, and the beauty of the frescoed ceilings (painted in the eighteenth century by Tommaso Gherardini) are quite simply jaw-dropping.
If you are visiting Florence for cultural reasons, or have an interest in the Renaissance or Baroque period and wish to stay in an important example of Florentine architecture right in the city centre, this apartment offers an opportunity not to be missed. As a visitor to the Palazzo, you will be in very good company, it was not only frequented by the cream of Florentine nobility over the centuries, but also Puccini and Mascagni, who attended the theatre on the ground floor of the building.
As a host, Francesco could not have been more helpful and accommodating. As well as offering incredible period details, and being comfortably furnished, the apartment is well equipped with modern facilities. Brand new bathrooms and a fast internet provide contemporary comforts. The apartment is also very quiet, built around it’s own Renaissance courtyard and set back from the bustle city centre.
The location was terrific, all the major attractions and train station being a walkable distance. In the immediate locale there are some very charming shops and restaurants.