Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni is a thirteenth century historical residence in Florence ideally located at the beginning of the street of the same name and only a few steps from the Santa Trinita Bridge. It is one of the city’s best preserved Medieval tower residences which has been skillfully and respectfully restored and transformed into a stunning, elegant and welcoming residence where guests are warmly welcomed and invited to be a part of the history of this incredible place. The central location, spacious rooms, beautiful marble bathrooms, excellent staff, great rates and marvellous city views make it without a doubt the best boutique hotel in all of Florence.
Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni was built during the first half of the 13th Century by the Guelf Ruggerini family, before changing hands a number of times until being inherited by the Gianfigliazzis, one of the most powerful Florentine families from the 1500’s through the 1700’s.
The tower was opened as a guesthouse in the early 20th century and was favoured by English aristocrats and intellectuals as a stop on the Grand Tour! Thanks to recent careful restoration the tower residence has been restored to its original glory whilst safeguarding the building’s charm and architectural heritage and also ensuring guests enjoy the ultimate in relaxation, comfort, luxury and elegance in this incredible historical residence. Antica Torre is not just a hotel, it is a destination in itself and by staying there you will be contributing to their long and incredible history which truly is an enchanting experience.
Antica Torre also has an incredible location in Florence and all of the city’s sights and attractions are no more than a 10 minute walk away. We loved the location as it meant we were in the centre of Florence and could easily return to the hotel when we needed a break or wished to relax on the terrace and enjoy Florence from above. The staff at Antica Torre were fantastic throughout our stay and every member of staff we came across was very professional, helpful and always greeted us with a smile which we loved!
Like so many of Italy’s historic residences, not one of the rooms and suites in Antica Torre are the same. Some of the rooms have views, some have private terraces, some are historically themed and some have unique special amenities including the hammam suite which has a wellness area with a chromotherapy system, double jacuzzi, Turkish bath for two persons and two sun loungers offering maximum relaxation! All the rooms however share similar features of beautiful marble bathrooms, luxurious and elegant furnishings and the amazing feeling you get when sleeping in an incredible historical residence such as this one.
We were staying in one of Junior Library Suites which was a stunning room furnished with wall-to-wall libraries featuring period volumes and literature about Florence. The Library Suites offer stunning views of Via di Tornabuoni or the Arno River which ours had. The views from our room were breathtaking and were some of the best views in all of Florence! We loved sitting by the window watching people on the streets and bridges below, watching boats float past and marvelling at the Ponte Vecchio located only a block away.
Our room was spacious with a wonderfully comfortable queen sized bed, beautiful light oak parquet flooring and elegant rugs, wardrobes, beautiful wooden furnishings, LCD TV, DVD player, air conditioning, free WiFi and a mini bar. We loved the exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and how comfortable our room was. After two nights in the hotel it truly felt like our home away from home in Florence and we were very sad to be leaving!
Our marble bathroom was absolutely stunning and featured an enormous marble bath and complete marble wet room with rainfall shower. It was beautiful and luxurious toiletries were also provided along with soft, fluffy towels and a hairdryer.
One of the our favourite features of the hotel were the two incredible terraces at the hotel which we believe offer the best views in all of Florence! Only guests at the hotel can access the terraces and we loved the 360° views of Florence from them. The views stretch across the city to the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, the hills of Fiesole and Settignano, the Arno River, the Santa Trinita Bridge and Via Maggio, the church of San Miniato a Monte, Forte Belvedere designed by Buontalenti, the hill of Bellosguardo, Palazzo Vecchio and the bell tower of Santa Trinita. No matter which direction you look from the terraces you will be met with incredible views of the magnificent city of Florence! There is also a Panoramic Bar with an excellent wine list which has a bartender of an evening and operates with an honesty system the rest of the time.
A delicious buffet breakfast is provided every morning with a huge range of options to choose from. There was cooked breakfast options, cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, vegetables, salads, freshly baked breads, cakes and pastries, cheese, cold meats, fresh juice and tea and coffee. It was a fantastic way to begin our days in Florence!
We had such an incredible stay in Florence at Antica Torre. It’s such a unique, beautiful boutique hotel and we felt truly honoured to be guests of this magnificent historic residence. If you’re visiting Florence we can’t recommend Antica Torre more highly, it is one of our favourite places we’ve ever stayed and somewhere we’d love to return to in the future.
Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1
Via de’ Tornabuoni, 1 50123
Firenze, Italy
+39 055 265 8161
www.tornabuoni1.com
The Aussie Flashpacker was welcomed to Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 as a guest.
Our opinions are as always, our own.
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