If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing the good life of Florence’s great families — but in a modern context — Antica Torre di Via Tournabuoni 1 more than fulfills the requirements. The former private villa in its newly reinvigorated state (completed during the pandemic) offers a full-on Florentine immersion, whether you are traveling on business, pleasure or some mix of both. The location (the physical and cultural center of Florence) and the mid-13^th-century building’s conversation-starting pedigree (built by the Guelf-Ruggerini family and owned by the Gianfigliazzi family) are two of the most important selling points. However, it’s what the current management has done to make the property relevant to 21^st-century travelers that makes it worth checking into.

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 strikes a nice balance between a cozy home-away-from-home and an opulent historic landmark that embodies the city’s gilded history. Under the direction of interior designer Angelica Frescobaldi and her team, striking it is achieved by giving each room and suite its own personality. There’s a certain genius to the way Frescobaldi puts the curated and restored furnishings and artifacts into a context that both avoids fussiness and “rustic chic” tropes that don’t quite fit a major city setting. The color scheme is dominated by muted moss greens and pinks that read as appealingly neutral when set against the natural wood floors and the buildings and bridges of the Arno River outside.

To elevate larger suites to a “modern” luxury look without trying too hard, Frescobaldi uses minimalist, wrought-iron four-poster beds; eclectic decorative items set into the library walls; and velvet chaise lounges. Common areas and all private rooms have high ceilings and fresh flowers interspersed with well-cared-for antiques from Italy and other parts of the globe (as we could imagine original and earlier owners may have had it) and spacious bright bathrooms etched out in marble. WiFi, up-to-date electronics and entertainment devices, organic skincare toiletries and good heating complete a modern traveler’s necessities. And, on top of that, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast with one of the best 360-degree views in town.

The full-service restaurant, coming in spring 2022, is just as carefully thought-out. The catering for business groups and events, as well as many classical Florentine dishes to be served at the restaurant, are subtly updated with the still-important farm-to-table touches people crave when they plan a visit to Tuscany. The restaurant staff, along with an astute bar/mixology team, assures simple can be bold and luxurious.

Although Italy’s top premium retailers are steps away (Ferragamo has its flagship and museum right across the street), as are the Ponte Santa Trinita, Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, several other significant churches and some of the most important museums in Europe (Uffuzi Gallery, Accademia Gallery and the Pitti Palace), Antica Torre Tornabuoni is also an ideal locale for those wanting to explore the trendier, artier and quieter areas, such as Santo Spirito, that will satisfy guests who love to walk the city or plan to enjoy it as a local would.

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1

Via de’ Tornabuoni, 1
50123 Firenze Fl, Italy
Tel 39 0 55 265 8161