Palazzo Vecchietti Florence

Palazzo Vecchietti, throughout the centuries, has suffered through pillages, wars, floods, and diverse political and economic historical movements. The palazzo has passed from one owner to another finally being possessed by the Nencini, Giusfredi and Magni family.

It was also entrusted to the Belle Arti so that it could be restored in accordance with the most precise details which faithfully imitated the original design. For these reasons Palazzo Vecchietti still conserves today artistic remains of the highest value.

Cornices, furnishings, furniture, and perfectly regenerated medieval fireplaces blend today with modern accoutrements in the common areas and in our rooms and suites. They express a unique and matchless mood not found anywhere else.

THE HISTORY
“And take a look at that Nerli and his companion del Vecchio, Both so content in the nude… and their women all strung out.”

That’s how Dante Alighieri, in the 15th Canto from his masterpiece, Paradiso, preserved for all time the memory of the Vecchietti family, the exact name of our historical palace and hotel.

The Vecchiettis were wealthy fur traders and merchandisers. They were also one of the first families to establish themselves in the capital of Tuscany, Florence. The family was likewise politically powerful—so much so that some of the family line held very important offices in the Florentine Republic.

The Vecchietti family was so fabulously wealthy that their properties covered an entire block in the center of Florence (Florence) extending from the arch of Piazza della Repubblica all the way to Palazzo Strozzi.

It was here that in 1578 the senator and patron of the arts Bernardo Vecchietti asked Giambologna, whom he had hosted and subsidized since his arrival in Florence, to construct his residence: Palazzo Vecchietti.

Giambologna built this historical palace incorporating in the building’s center the beautiful cloister that was part of the construction that was present before.

From its first floor, it overlooked a fifteenth-century small-scale lodge embellished with fine graffitos that probably were the works of Lippi and di Andrea del Castagno. Even today, in the inside of the hotel, one may view the remains of an even older structure, an extremely old Bizantina Tower.

All the villas of the family, including, naturally, Palazzo Vecchietti, were locations where troves of prestigious works of art were housed—including the Sant’Agostino nello Studio, Botticelli’s masterpiece found today in the Uffizi art gallery.

On the corner between the façades of the historical palace, Giambologna positioned the Stemma della Famiglia (the family’s coat of arms), that consists of five silver ermines on a blue background, a symbol of incorruptible purity, and a bizzare flag carrier in the form of a little devil made of bronze.

The original of this artwork is in Palazzo Vecchio. According to legend, there was once found here a tabernacle where St Peter of Verona frequently gave sermons. One day, during a sermon, the Devil interrupted the preaching by frightening a black horse that then dispersed the congregation listening to the saint’s address.

Peter managed to calm down the faithful and went on preaching to them. From that day on, people began to call the place the Canto del Diavolo (Song of the Devil). Giambologna was so inspired by this story, he designed the flag carrier according to it.

ROOMS & SUITES
A room at Palazzo Vecchietti is like no other luxury suite in Florence. The sixteenth century building that once belonged to the powerful Florence Vecchietti Family today boasts 12 impeccably restored rooms and suites where contemporary style blends with fine elegance. It is just like the home you wish you had.

The bespoke wooden and leather furniture merged in the sunny natural light makes you feel safe and warm. The sumptuous and comfortable bed is to die for. The gorgeous chocolate marble bathroom – with linen and cotton towels and sensual scented products exclusively designed for Palazzo Vecchietti – invites you to indulge.

The rooms even feature a hideaway equipped kitchenette and a fabulous wardrobe room. Welcome in Florence. Welcome home.

LEONARDO DA VINCI SUITE
The Leonardo da Vinci Apartment is the home that all of us dream of having—truly an explosion of space and absolute elegance. On one side there are the lounges with medieval fireplaces composed of restored stone, then the bedroom with private bath and the well-equipped kitchen.

On the opposite side, there is a fabulous 32-square-meter terrace facing the inside courtyard of the palace. Here guests might relax and pass their leisure time, between one excursion and another, reading a good book or sipping a glass of prestigious Chianti wine.

LORENZO IL MAGNIFICO SUITE
The ceiling, with its reinforced wooden droopy beams painted in white, makes the Lorenzo the Magnifico Apartment capable of creating that enveloping atmosphere found only in a private home.

In the center, there is the grand living room, where the refitted velvety soft blue sofa stands out very distinctly. Adjacent to it is the double bedroom with bookshelves upon the walls and elegantly furnished in chic styling.

If you wish to relax, there are two independent bathrooms: one with a shower and a Turkish bath; and, the other with a bathtub. Behind a false glass door is hidden a fully-equipped modern kitchen where guests might prepare snacks and private dinners in full autonomy.

Or, simply mix a delicious martini and sip it surrounded by a host of exceptionally beautiful artifacts.

PENTHOUSE SUITE
In the Penthouse Suite daylight invades the large spaces, filters the atmosphere creating a veneer of warmth that gives the sensation of being draped in gold. The dark blue tapestry offers a pleasant contrast both pleasing to the eyes and the touch.

Hidden from sight, you will find a kitchen decorated with precious Portuguese stone. This is a little culinary oasis where you might experiment with the local recipes that our staff will be happy to share with you.

If you wish to relax, there is a vast gamma of things to do. There is the grand hall with velvety sofas and the bathrooms—one of which offers Turkish baths.

And to amaze you even more, there is the private terrace.This splendid patio offers a unique panorama upon the roofs and churches of Florence. Florence is right in front of you. Right below you! So magnificent as you have never seen it before. Only for you!

SERVICES
Our service is diverse from that of whatever other hotel in Florence. The Palazzo Vecchietti wants to warmly welcome you the instant you arrive. Our concierge will greet you with a broad smile, then he will offer you a flute of prosecco wine or a welcoming drink.

And while he is accommodating you, he will fill you in on the history of Palazzo Vecchietti. He will have your baggage brought to your room, and there leave you to rest and recuperate. He will also be at your beck and call for whatever request you might have.

THE BREAKFAST
We have always prided ourselves on the rich and varied continental buffet we offer, a breakfast crafted by experts using only the finest of ingredients. These days, the irresistible goodness of the buffet is available à al carte and will be served at your table in the breakfast room, or in the cozy privacy of your guest room.

You decide whether you wish to begin the day with fresh fruit or with a rich plate of select cold cuts and scrambled eggs, greens and mozzarella, yoghurt, smoked salmon and omelettes.

Or, perhaps you want to have a breakfast all’italiana, with warm croissants and fresh pies just taken from the oven of our trusted bakery – naturally accompanied with an espresso coffee!

Breakfast is served from 7.30 to 10.30, please reserve ahead of time; if you might want to ask to be served in your room at whatever hour…free of charge! If you leave the hotel in the early hours of the morning, we can prepare, upon request, a delicious breakfast box to carry with you. We also offer gluten-free and vegetarian dishes upon request.

THE TOURS
A stay at Palazzo Vecchietti will keep you always active: we can organize for you whatever activity, event or excursion you wish to enjoy.

Guided tours in the most-visited Florentine museums, wine tours in Chianti with visits to Monteriggioni, Siena and San Gimignano and wine and food tastings can be easily arranged for you. Also there are personalized tours to Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, Grosseto and in other major tourist stopovers in Tuscany.

FLORENCE
While you stay at Palazzo Vecchietti we will do everything to make you live Florence like a local. We are sited between Palazzo Strozzi and Piazza della Repubblica, 200 meters from Via de’ Tornabuoni—the Fifth Avenue of Florence. From Palazzo Vecchietti, you can very easily reach the Stazione (FS) Santa Maria Novella, Piazza del Duomo, the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio.

Palazzo Vecchietti will be your access to the two vital spirits that invigorate Florence: the exclusive side, made of the boutiques boasting their world-famous fashion brands, and the one that you can experience when you visit the craftsmanship shops and the roads far from the tourist beaten paths, the magnificent gardens and churches.

3 DAYS IN FLORENCE
Would it be possible to discover Florence and Tuscany in three days? The truth is that perhaps even a month would not offer the possibility to appreciate and familiarize oneself with the culture, the art and the magic of this land.

Our staff loves challenges, and even if you only have three days to stay with us, they will organize for you a truly genuine stay. Three days of pure beauty, divine cuisine and wines, scenery that will leave you aghast, shopping—a treat of romanticism and Tuscan enjoyment for the entire family.

STROLLING AROUND FLORENCE
One full-immersion day in the Cradle of the Renaissance, enveloped in art, culture and breathtaking scenes. Begin the day with a visit to one of Florence’s magnificent museums – just a few meters from Palazzo Vecchietti.

Maybe the world-famous Galleria degli Uffizi, where are conserved the Nascita di Venere by Botticelli, La Madonna del Cardellino by Raffaello and the Bacco by Caravaggio. Or choose one of the exhibits of modern art being presented at Palazzo Strozzi – right in front of our residence.

You might also want to take time to stroll along the Arno river and then cross over Ponte Vecchio. Stop for a coffee or an ice cream cone or a hot chocolate.

This is the right occasion to go shopping in one of the many shops and boutiques in the center: goldsmith’s shops, leather goods stores, high fashion showrooms, age-old stationery shops, and a host of modest special shopping possibilities.

At sunset it would be well worth your while to go to Piazzale Michelangelo where you can see, right before your eyes, the magnificence of the city of Florence. Conclude the evening with a delicious dinner in one of the traditional restaurants located throughout the city.

There are also excellent restaurants specializing in offering fresh fish dishes. Our staff will reserve for you a very special place in the restaurant of your choice.

CHIANTI WINE TOUR
To be in Tuscany without visiting Chianti would be an offense! Upon request, we can arrange for you a private guided tour around some of the most beautiful wine destinations on Earth.

Go on an adventure with us among the low-rolling hills, around the uncontaminated countryside tinted with intense colors, travel through medieval villages that evoke another time, and stop to visit the medieval abbeys where you will feel that time has stopped just for you.

The first stopping place on our route will be Siena, the city of the Palio, with its imposing Piazza del Campo, the Cathedral, and the Babtistery.

Then we will visit San Gimignano: it will be easy to get lost among the cobblestone streets in the center, the medieval towers, and, who knows, we might want to stop at the Museum of Torture or in the fairytale-like spice shop in Santa Fina. Finally, we cannot fail to miss Monteriggioni, the picturesque medieval village which is one of the most appreciated in Chianti.

Our excursion will terminate with a truly excellent food and wine tasting: in the area a farm, opened especially for us, will offer a demonstration, with a professional sommelier, of the best combinations of Chianti red wines and cheeses including other gastronomic delicacies found in the area.

AROUND FLORENCE
So that you will feel that you have not missed anything, the third day we have in store for you is another adventure outside the city limits of Florence. You can seek advice from our concierge, then select the destination of your choice. We will organize a tour with a private car and guide/interpreter in one of the many cities of art in Tuscany.

You might want to choose Pisa, with its world-famous leaning tower that is set upon the Piazza dei Miracoli; Lucca, and its fortifications; Arezzo and Cortona; or, Maremma Toscana. Yet you might also decide to pass a day at the sea along the splendid beaches of Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio.

How about splurging on a shopping spree in one of the stupendous outlets of the zone. There you can purchase high-fashion clothing all with famous brand names with exceptionally convenient prices. Wherever you wish to visit, all you have to do is ask us!

Rooms: 28

Price: from 559 EUR per night

Source: www.palazzovecchietti.com