Palazzo Santa Croce - Florence Apartment Rentals

This historic palace in Piazza Santa Croce contains totally up-to-date apartments in central Florence, Italy. Not only are the furnishings luxurious, the views over the piazza to the handsome medieval church are breathtaking. Each apartment features its own historic atmosphere with Renaissance murals, family heirloom antiques, and talented decorating. Many guests spend the season here, returning year after year.

Many people passing through Piazza Santa Croce notice Giovanni di Ser Giovanni's 1620 frescoes on the overhanging facade this handsome building, but few realize they can actually stay here. The 16th-century palazzo is owned by the gracious Contessa Piccolomini, who rents out truly spacious apartments to anyone who has ever dreamed of lying in bed near a roaring fire under a 17th-century frescoed ceiling or sipping tea in a living room surrounded by trompe d'oeil Roman ruins with a 16th-century wood ceiling above (Donatello).

Even in the more standard rooms, the furnishings are tasteful, with rattan, wood, or wrought-iron bed frames; potted plants; and the occasional 18th-century inlaid wood dresser to go with the plush couches and chairs. The fourth-floor rooms (Miravista and Mimi) are booked well in advance by those who love the private penthouse terraces overlooking the lively piazza. The kitchens are sizable and fully equipped.

Conveniently located in the heart of the historical center of Florence, in Piazza Santa Croce, the palazzo is a landmark Renaissance Palazzo, and one of the few left in the historic center of Florence with a dramatic frescoed facade.

The Palazzo Santa Croce offers 12 totally furnished apartment ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. The apartments are appointed to the highest standards with all conveniences. All have air conditioning, and TV with CNN and other international English language channels. These apartments have become the home of an international clientele of visitors.

The guests enjoy the convenience of the old city center with all modern comforts, charm, and the state-of-the-art furnishings. The apartments have views of Piazza Santa Croce and of the city’s monuments, of the private renaissance rose garden, or of inner courts and the surrounding hills. Rooms are spacious and airy, furniture is a comfortable and elegant combination of modern and antique. All apartments are kept in mint condition. The furnishings include linen and crockery.

We have personally stayed at this property. Our evaluation is:

Lovely apartments. Very comfortable and well appointed.
We loved observing the daily life of the piazza starting with street cleaners, dog walkers, children going to school, the first tourists all the way till the after dinner strollers.
One of the lowest spots in the city, note the high water marks on the buildings in the neighborhood -- on the second floor.
The Santa Croce church with the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and more is worth a day.
There are several fees that are added to the base price that I would prefer were included, but it isn't my palazzo! So be aware that there are additional fees for wireless internet and final cleaning as well as utilities that are charged according to use.

Guest Comments

Request availability. Phone 781.275.1055

Location	Piazza Santa Croce, Florence, Tuscany
Sleeps	12 apartments sleeping up to 8 people
Floor, elevator	First to fifth floors, elevators
Size	See individual listings to the right
Terrace	Several of the apartments have terraces overlooking the piazza.
View	Yes, of Piazza Santa Croce and the roofs of Florence
Crib	On request
Entertainment	Satellite Television, stereo, DVD player
Telephone	Telephone in each apartment. Incoming calls free, outbound calls charged to guest or use phone card.
Internet	Internet point around the corner. Wireless internet on a separate charge: 1 week: €20
Hair dryer	Yes
Kitchen equipment	Four-burner gas stove tops, some have ovens, microwaves, espresso pot, American-style drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils.
Gym	A small gym with exercise machines is available to guests.
Air conditioning	Yes
Heat	Yes
Utilities	Charged against security deposit
Security deposit	$500/week
Cleaning	There is a separate charge for final cleaning and the amount varies with the size of the apartment.
Maid	Yes, available for additional charge and on request
Suitability for families	Good for families and family get-togethers.
Public transportation	Several busses pass nearby. Taxis are available.
Parking	Paid parking in garages nearby is expensive.
Rates posted with each apartment.	Minimum stay 7 nights. Please request your dates. Phone US 781.275.1055 US

A small gym, free to all guests, opens onto the landscaped internal courtyard. Its frescoed ceilings make an interesting contrast with the workout equipment!