Province of Florence
Florence, as well as its province, is famous worldwide for its Renaissance period, for its arts and culture, its good food, its friendly people as well as for its beautiful Tuscan villas, its marvellous holiday homes in the Chianti area, its vineyards and olive groves, its castles and its old farmhouses dotting the gently rolling hills.
Just a few notes, intended, not for the ordinary tourist but, for the wise traveller, ready to relish the town, to capture that special flavour which will urge him to return in the future, so as to add a new tessera to the never-ending mosaic of Florence. Enjoy the experience of spending a remarkable holiday in one of the rental apartments in Florence, right in the old town, just a few steps from the Cathedral, the Palazzo Vecchio, or the Uffizi Gallery, in touch with the breathtaking atmosphere of this pearl of Tuscany.
The history of Florence and its province has ancient origins, but let us start from the town's religious hub and enjoy the great visual impact of the dramatic dome of Santa Maria del Fiore by Brunelleschi.
Where does all this come from?
From the Renaissance which has left permanent marks in the town’s cultural milieu.
Under the impetus of brilliant artists, 15th century Florence was enriched and renewed, without fundamentally altering its appearance. It was Brunelleschi, with his research into perspective and his precocious ideas about city planning, who dominated the architectural scene in the first half of the century. Besides the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, he built the Ospedale degli Innocenti (the Foundling Hospital), designed the Old Sacristy in the basilica of San Lorenzo, started Santo Spirito, built the Pazzi Chapel in the monastic complex of Santa Croce as well as the central block of Palazzo Pitti.
Generally speaking it was an extraordinary time in the artistic life of Florence with painters such as Masaccio at work in Santa Maria del Carmine, Paolo Uccello in the Green Cloister of Santa Maria Novella, Ghirlandaio in its main chapel as well as in the Sassetti Chapel in Santa Trinita, Fra Angelico in the convent of San Marco, not to mention sculptors like Ghiberti, Donatello and Luca della Robbia.
Undoubtedly a primary role was played by the Medici, a powerful and influential family who governed Florence from the 14th to the 18th century, including popes and rulers like Lorenzo the Magnificent, Cosimo the Elder and women like Catherine and Marie, both destined to rule the fate of France. Starting from a banking activity they established a seigniorial government, headed by Cosimo the Elder. With the aid of his favourite architect Michelozzo, he promoted a number of important architectural projects, ranging from the construction of the Dominican convent of San Marco to the renovation of his own residence, the austere palace on via Larga (now via Cavour : see apartment for rent in Florence in our webpage, ref. 126) that was to provide a model for so much of the 15th century civil constructions. This was the case with the large palace that Filippo Strozzi had built by Benedetto da Maiano.
The golden age ushered in by Cosimo the Elder was continued by his grandson Lorenzo, the “Magnificent” who, unlike his grandfather enjoyed presenting himself in the guise of a prince. More than a businessman, he was a fine politician and a cultured man. A poet and a writer himself, he chose to surround himself with men of keen intelligence, gathered together in the celebrated Platonic Academy at the Medici villa at Careggi. This was his great legacy to Florence before the period of political upheaval to which the city was subjected for several decades after his death in 1492.
At the beginning of the century the most significant artists in Florence were without any doubt Leonardo and Michelangelo. Both were commissioned by the gonfalonier Pier Soderini to fresco a battle scene (actually never finished) in the Salone dei Cinquecento, Hall of Five Hundred, in Palazzo Vecchio, but the former soon left the city, never to return, while the latter had already begun to pay frequent visits to Rome. Among Michelangelo’s greatest creations are worth a mention the Laurentian Library and the New Sacristy in San Lorenzo.
The definite reestablishment of a cadet branch of the Medici rule, through Cosimo the 1st, ushered in a long period of political stability, centred on the strong personality of the duke, the true architect of regional unification. An excellent organizer, he set about the creation of a strong state, increasing his power with his prestigious marriage to the daughter of the viceroy of Naples, Eleonor of Toledo. He transferred the court to the former Palazzo dei Priori, then subjected to incessant works of restoration and enlargement. While lacking the humanistic culture of Lorenzo, he continued the family tradition of patronage, embellishing Florence with fountains, statues, columns, and arcades. The building that now houses the Uffizi Gallery was also intended to produce a scenic effect: a curious U-shaped structure designed by Vasari between the Piazza della Signoria and the river to house the principal magistracies of the duchy of Tuscany. Cosimo extended it with a corridor up to Palazzo Pitti, passing over the ancient Ponte Vecchio, as a “secret” link between the heart of political life, represented by Palazzo Vecchio, and the new family residence of Palazzo Pitti.
In fact his wife, disliking the enclosed spaces of the building on Piazza della Signoria, urged a move to the more salubrious suburban 15th century palace opening onto the scenic Boboli Gardens built for the banker Luca Pitti. Today it is one of the city's most important monumental complexes, a sort of citadel of museums housing the ducal collection of paintings (Galleria Palatina) along with collections of silverware, semiprecious stones, gems, ivories and porcelain that belonged to the ruling dynasties.
Under Cosimo, and later his sons Francesco and Ferdinando, there was a shift in the traditional centres of power. While under Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent the urban area was comprised between the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Annunziata, including San Marco, the hub of political life was now located between Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Pitti. This did not prevent the dukes from leaving symbols of their authority all over the place. The basilica of San Lorenzo became the Medici pantheon thanks to Ferdinando, also responsible for the construction of the Belvedere Fort at the top of the Boboli Gardens and the splendid Villa di Artimino, outside the city walls. Later Florence would face a long period of economic stagnation up to the Lorraine dynasty, whose most enlightened figure, Peter Leopold, managed to operate fundamental changes in the fields of economy and law.
More incisive interventions in the urban fabric were to appear in the 19th century with the opening of wider and straighter streets, the construction of new bridges, the realization of the Neo-gothic facades of Santa Croce and of Santa Maria del Fiore and the project to transform the city into the capital of the new kingdom of Italy. A radical reorganization over a few decades drastically altered its appearance, bringing it closer to the contemporary cities of Europe, inflicting permanent wounds such as the demolition of the city walls replaced by a ring of roads on the model of the Parisian boulevards and the destruction of the old marketplace along with the Jewish ghetto in the area now occupied by Piazza della Repubblica and its adjacent streets.
It is worthwhile remembering the numerous museums, ranging from the Uffizi, to the nearby Bargello Art Museum, from the Academy, to the Opificio delle Pietre Dure (Workshop for Hard Stones), up to San Marco where, among the winged creatures of Fra Angelico, our wise traveller might satisfy the need of escaping to the silence of the inner time.
Accommodation Type: Apartments
Area: Town and Villages
Position: City
Province : Florence
This
elegant apartment is located in Via dei Bardi, on the west side of the River Arno, just 100 meters from Pontevecchio , in the heart of the “Oltrarno” district, the old part of town full of local artisan’s workshops. This charming flat is on the top floor : a small lift takes guests to the 5th floor, after which there are 12 steps leading to the apartment. Very bright thanks to the large living room windows, the highlight of this accommodation are its three terraces. One has access from the living room, another from a bedroom, whilst the third is a roof terrace, with access by winding staircase from the living room terrace and with a breathtaking view over Florence’s monuments, such as Giotto’s Campanile, the Cathedral and Palazzo Vecchio. This tastefully renovated apartment (100sqm) can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people and consists of a living-dining room, a fully equipped kitchenette (fridge, dishwasher, coffee machine, toaster), 2 double bedrooms, 1 twin bedroom and 2 bathrooms, one fitted with bathtub/shower and the other with shower. At guest’s disposal an air conditioning system, Sat tv, internet Wi-fi connection, washing machine.
Within walking distance of the beautiful Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery (400 mt), Piazza Signoria (450 mt) and other main sights of town, this holiday apartment is in an ideal position for those wanting to visit by foot. Right next to the building are small supermarkets, restaurants, a bank and shops.
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Accommodation Type: Apartments
Area: Town and Villages
Position: City
Province : Florence
This lovely
holiday apartment in Florence is located on the west side of the Arno river, in the old part of town known as Oltrarno, surrounded by local craftsmen’s workshops. This luxury accommodation is on the 3rd floor, with lift. Very bright, its windows overlook some of the most beautiful monuments of Florence, such as the Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce. The flat (90sqm) can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people and consists of 2 double bedrooms, 1 twin bedroom, 2 bathrooms of which one with shower and the other with bathtub, a living room with dining area and a fully equipped kitchenette.
Amenities: internet WI FI, air conditioning, TV, washing machine, dishwasher, electric oven, micro-wave, kettle, toaster, hair dryer, fridge and freezer, iron and ironing board.
In the basement of the building a common laundry area, equipped with washing machine and tumble dryer, is available. Nearby there is a garage where to park the car.
Within walking distance of Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi gallery and Piazza Signoria, this
apartment for rent in Florence is, however, in a very quiet area, being in a controlled traffic area, and is right next to the Boboli Gardens, within walking distance of Piazza Pitti.
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Accommodation Type: Apartments
Area: Town and Villages
Position: City
Province : Florence
Exclusive and elegant apartment positioned in the town centre of Florence, along the Lungarno Torrigiani, a beautiful location on the river Arno. This is the Oltrarno district full of shops, restaurants, craft shops, graceful Renaissance buildings and much more.
This large and elegant accommodation of 150 sq m can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people. It’s an independent, semi-detached house with a furnished garden, panoramic terrace and with a view over the Lungarno and the tower of Palazzo Vecchio. On two floors, access is via a short staircase (7 steps). On the ground floor there are 2 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom with shower, a large living room with TV, radio-CD player, and a studio. On the first floor there is a dining room, with access to the lovely terrace overlooking the garden, the river Arno and enjoying wonderful views over Florence’s monuments, a fully equipped kitchen (fridge with freezer, oven, dishwasher, coffee machine, toaster, blender), a bathroom with shower. Facilities: internet Wi-Fi connection, hairdryer, washing machine , iron and ironing board, heating system. Nearby there is also a paid parking garage.
This holiday apartment is situated within walking distance from all the main attractions in town, such as Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti, 300 m away, the Uffizi Gallery, 550 m, Palazzo Vecchio 700 m away, and the train station, at
1.6 km. Not to be missed nearby, the Basilica di Santo Spirito designed by Brunelleschi and the Santa Maria del Ca
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Accommodation Type: Holiday Farmhouse
Area: Chianti
Position: Countryside
Province : Florence
Sheltered in the middle of a valley of vineyards and olive groves, from which high quality olive oil and wine is made, these holiday homes are situated in a very quiet area, far from the noises of the towns and surrounded by an uncontaminated countryside.
This residence is composed by 2 houses, and it has 16 self-catering apartments, comfortably furnished in the Tuscan style.
This child friendly farmhouse is surrounded by a large park full of flowers and with green lawns where a gazebo offers shelters for meals.
Available is also a swimming pool (12x6 mt, from 110 to 220 cm deep) and a children swimming pool (6x4 mt, 60 cm deep), both open from Easter to middle October, set in a location with a breath-taking view, a laundry room, a large meeting room, barbecue, table tennis, bowls and children playground. Internet wi fi in the common area at the reception.
In the heart of Tuscany, this accommodation is in an ideal position for visiting art centres such as Florence and Pisa (50 km), San Gimignano (20 km), Volterra (30 km) and Siena (55 km). Nearest shops in Montaione at 4 km. A restaurant and a tennis court are only 1 km away.
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Accommodation Type: Holiday Farmhouse
Area: Chianti
Position: Countryside
Province : Florence
Marvellous wine estate located in the Chianti at just 35 km from Florence. It enjoys a wonderful sunny position with a stunning view over the valley and the surrounding landscape. A special mention is due to the landscape at sunset.
It is a perfect location for a relaxing holiday or for visiting Tuscany.
The property consists of 43 comfortable apartments as well as various facilities for guests. These include a large garden, a swimming pool (ca. 20x8, open from April to October), a children’s pool, barbecue, horse-riding, tennis court, children playground, table tennis, bowls, billiards, a meeting room, safe, laundry room, bicycles, wine and olive oil tasting, as well as a restaurant. Internet Wi-Fi covering a large part of the grounds.
Apartments of various sizes, nicely furnished in the typical Tuscan style maintaining the original features of the building, including wooden beam ceilings, located on the ground, first or second floor.
Nearest food shop in San Donato village, within walking distance (7 minutes - 600 m). The Mall outlet at 10 km, Reggello 5 km, Arezzo 60 km, Siena 70 km.
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Accommodation Type: Holiday Farmhouse
Area: Chianti
Position: Countryside
Province : Florence
This
holiday home in Chianti dominates a beautiful landscape of vineyards, olive groves, cornfields and cypress forests typical of Tuscany and especially the Florentine hillsides of Montespertoli.
The 15th-century farmhouse covers a property of 500 hectares and produces 6 different varieties of wine as well as extra-virgin olive oil, sunflower and wheat. For this reason this holiday accommodation for rent concentrates all in one the characteristics of the Tuscan countryside, offering an ideal situation for a totally relaxing holiday.
This holiday farmstead consists of 16 self-catering apartments distributed in several old barns and restored cottages. 2 flats are in the farmhouse next to the swimming pool (14x7, open May-Oct), 10 are in a tiny hamlet, near the restaurant, at 500 meters from the swimming pool. Other 4 apartments are in another farmhouse at 200 meters from the restaurant and swimming pool. The apartments are finely furnished with particular care to guests’comfort.
The farmhouse organizes wine tasting tours as well as a visit to the cellar. Pets are welcome. On the estate guests will also find a small vintage car museum. The beautiful Tuscan countryside surrounding the farm was chosen by the Taviani brothers to shoot their movie “The Night of the Shooting Stars”.
The location of these
holiday apartments in Tuscany is perfect also for visiting most of the art centres such as Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra. At guest’s
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Accommodation Type: Villas
Area: Chianti
Position: Countryside
Province : Florence
This charming
holiday home in Chianti is located in the countryside of Montelupo Fiorentino, one of the most important centres of European pottery production of the Renaissance, just on the outskirts of Florence. Surrounded by olive trees and age-old cypress trees, this renovated barn enjoys, from its hilltop position, a breathtaking view. This elegant and comfortable cottage has preserved its original architecture maintaining the local stone works, the wooden beam ceilings and the Florentine terracotta tile flooring. Furnished in the typical Tuscan style, the house is dotted with exceptional objets d’art, such as fine paintings, ceramics coming from Montelupo and typical ornaments. This
Tuscany accommodation is in an ideal position for those wishing to spend a peaceful vacation in a beautiful surrounding and also enjoy visiting art centres, medieval villages and much more. Easily reachable are Florence, Leonardo’s hometown Vinci, San Miniato, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Volterra, Monteriggioni and San Gimignano, to mention just a few.
This self-catering accommodation consists of a fully equipped kitchen, a large sitting room with two sofas, of which one is a double divan bed, two double bedrooms and two bathrooms with shower. Also available are Sat-TV, DVD player, CD player, safe, first aid box. Outdoors there is a large, sunny veranda, fully equipped, where one can sunbathe or enjoy open-air meals. There is also a swimming pool with Jacuzzi corner completely furnis
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Accommodation Type: Villas
Area: Mugello
Position: Countryside
Province : Florence
This beautiful and elegant holiday villa in Tuscany is located at Casale, a tiny medieval village in the heart of the Tuscan Apennines, 45 km east of Florence, surrounded by forests and uncontaminated nature, with a wonderful scenic view over the valley. This lovely villa can accommodate up to 7 people (150
sq.m.) and is on two floors. On the ground floor there is a fully equipped kitchen with fireplace, a living room with Sat-TV, a dining room, a study with single sofa bed and a bathroom with hydromassage shower. On the first floor there are 3 double bedrooms and a bathroom with corner bathtub for two. The property has a big floral garden with a large swimming pool (11x6mt, open Apr-Sept), a fitness room, a spacious, furnished veranda, a wood-burning oven, a barbecue, a fountain from which one can drink the fresh spring water of Ortale and even a small private consecrated chapel. Nearest shops and restaurant in Casale, at 3km.
This magnificent villa for rent in Mugello is in an ideal position for appreciating both the cultural and the natural aspects of Tuscany. Florence is nearby and the area is dotted with historical villages, like San Godenzo, founded in 1028, with its famous old Benedictine abbey, or Dicomano, dominated by the Romanesque parish church of St. Maria with its vigorous bell tower on one side, or Vicchio, the birthplace of Giotto, or Poggio di Frascole, where there is one of the main archaeological complexes of Mugello and Valdisieve. One can also take lon
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Accommodation Type: Villas
Area: Chianti
Position: Countryside
Province : Florence
This lovely villa in Chianti is located in Iano, a peaceful, little hamlet near Volterra and San Gimignano (at 20 km), right in the heart of Tuscany. The area has a picturesque landscape, full of fine views, with the typical colours of the Tuscan countryside. Recently renovated, the villa is tastefully furnished with early 20th-century style furniture, offering a comfortable and elegant ambience. The villa, on one floor with a partial upper ground floor, is ca. 225 sq. m. and consists of a large living room, a dining room, a big kitchen (fully equipped with fridge, oven, washing machine, American coffeemaker, toaster) with kitchen island, dining table and storeroom (which houses a vacuum cleaner and other household cleaning supplies and a second fridge/freezer), four bedrooms (2 double bedrooms and 2 either twin or double on request), four bathrooms fitted with showers and two terraces, one overlooking the swimming pool. At guest’s disposal also a laundry, Wi-Fi connection and air-conditioning. The panoramic view, both from the garden and the flats, is breathtaking.
Surrounded by a garden with olive grove, plus a 9x6 m swimming pool with children pool area, this villa is the ideal place where to rest and visit Tuscany. The garden also has a gazebo, ideal for reading in the shade or enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the sun set, a barbecue and a wood-burning oven. The house is at just 200 metres from the village where there is a grocer’s and a restaurant. Its excellent c
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Accommodation Type: Villas
Area: Chianti
Position: Countryside
Province : Florence
This superb villa is built on the remains of a medieval watchtower used to defend the town of Volterra. It is located in the tiny hamlet of Iano, surrounded by a stunning countryside, and at just 20 km from Volterra and San Gimignano. Its strategic position allows breathtaking, clear views over the valleys and the alabaster town of Volterra from the many large windows of the villa as well as from the grounds including the amazing pool terrace.
A careful restoration of the house has maintained all the historical details of the building, and the result is a luxurious and refined atmosphere where tradition perfectly melts in with all the modern appliances and the delightfully romantic furnishings.
The accommodation, 270 sqm, is on two levels. It comfortably accommodates up to 8+1 in 4 bedrooms with 4 en-suite bathrooms with shower.
Ground floor: Access directly into the living/dining room (fireplace, CD/DVD player, Sat-TV) which is spacious and bright thanks to the large arched windows overlooking the garden and offering extraordinary views of the countryside. Large French windows open onto a furnished covered terrace with barbecue.
The kitchen is very large and fully equipped (kitchen hobs, toaster, kettle, coffee machines, oven, fridge with freezer, microwave, dishwasher). Two twin bedrooms (convertible into doubles) with en-suite bathrooms with shower, and a toilet. All bedrooms benefit from a superb view through their large windows or French windows making the rooms b
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