Florence conjures up romantic images of cobbled streets, breathtaking art and architecture, wonderful food and inspiring artisans. Very often, in the same breath as the name of this fabled city are the words “Duomo ” and “Uffizi”.
We could never, however, imagine that the apartment my husband I would stay at would capture everything we’d heard about the city itself.
The Air B&B listing of “Renaissance Apartment in Historic Building with Duomo Views” is completely true to its advertised descriptions and gorgeous photos. No hype or exaggeration. We lucked out because it is a dream apartment.
Every inch of this apartment is meticulously designed/curated in authentic Renaissance style. There are tapestries, mosaics, and sculptures. Beautifully carved and gilded wooden beams span the ceiling and smooth, cool terra cotta tiles are beneath your feet. Antique furnishings everywhere. Stunning built in armoires flank the canopied bed. The photos do not exaggerate!
But this is not just an artistic triumph: somehow modern comforts have been seamlessly integrated into the space: an elevator at the front door, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, great air conditioning, two bathrooms, a television, Wi-Fi and impressively comfortable mattresses dressed in exceptional linens.
The awe inspiring bells of the nearby Duomo are reduced to a whisper by double windows that also shut out the lights and dim the sounds of the crowds below.
What could possibly make all of this even more appealing for a visitor to this magnificent city? That would be the engaging, informative, and uniquely responsive hostess Irina and her husband Vasily (who is responsible for the stunning interior design). When we arrived, Irina regaled us with the history of this building which was here even before the Duomo. She gave a list of restaurant recommendations, all of which are nearby and top notch. And in the final moments of our time in this magnificent city she arranged for a taxi to the airport and helped with our luggage, minimizing the stress inherent in every departure.
We cannot recommend this accommodation highly enough. Our only hesitation is that in doing so, the clamor for this apartment might result in it not being available for our next trip to Florence. Because we want to stay here again—and soon!
Babette and Billy