Where to stay in Florence & feeling part of the History : Relais Santa Croce ~ Baglioni hotels ~

If your dream is to live a real Florentine experience & feeling like being part of the History, not just a visitor , this is exactly where you should stay.

In an historical building , Palazzo Ciofi-Jacometti , old columns frame the palace dated midway through the 18th century, commissioned by the Papal treasurer Marquis Giovanni Maria Baldinucci.

From outside you wouldn’t say it is so elegant & rich in details : the façade is very simple, as the others in the street, only when you are inside your eyes can enjoy ” the great beauty”.

This is not just a luxury hotel : it is your home away from home , surely much more elegant & chic, I suppose ,but you can feel to be part of this authentic atmosphere as many noble inhabitants have been before you : artists, literati,scientists stayed here ( it’s rumored that even Alessandro Volta was a frequent guest at the palace).

The magnificent hall at the first floor was created as a concert hall : the acoustic is still sublime ( private concerts can be hold here for the guests pleasure) nowadays here you can read a newspaper or sip an espresso coffee in original Richard Ginori’s cup or an aperitivo , surrounded by panels painted with historical scenes & where behind them the musicians were hidden to create a sort of surprise in hearing live music coming from the ceiling…

Only 24 rooms & suites with all the modern comforts and some even with frescoes & with some breathtaken views on the Brunelleschi dome or Santa Croce as live paintings !

Furhermore two meeting rooms can host up to 35 people & of course it is a perfect location for romantic weddings & special events .

I had the pleasure to enjoy a tasty lunch by the restaurant “Guelfi and Ghibellini” at the first floor where also a yummy , rich breakfast is served in the morning ( you could see my photos that will talk for me..) a beautiful Richard Ginori ‘s porcelain collection can be seen in the same room & a great espresso served in original cups “made in Florence” by the same historical manufacturer founded in 1735 .

So , whatelse you can ask ?

A special thanks to Flora who welcomed & showed my friend Victoria de Maio http://www.postcardzfromvictoria.com/ & me ,this gem in Florence: even opening just for us a secret tiny door hiding a big old safe , allowing us to walk inside the wooden trusses ingeniously constructed to support the gable roof of the music hall of the Relais Santa Croce , opening windows on the best landscapes on Florence historical heart and also telling us about how many artists & VIP guests are still hosted in this stunning palace!

For further info visit :

www.baglionihotels.com