Dimora degli Affreschi… An entire Florentine palazzo transformed
DUCHESSA SOFIA
Our Florence palazzo restoration has finally reached fruition near the banks of the Arno in the thriving district of Santa Croce
Promising a truly pampering Florentine experience and spanning the entire 5 storeys of the handsome 19th-century Palazzo Fossi beside the art-filled Horne Museum on the ancient Via dei Benci, this massively ambitious project is now opening its doors to its 10 seriously sumptuous Dimora Italia Collection apartments.
Sensitively reconfigured by eminent Venetian architect Alberto Torsello with a deep understanding and appreciation of the palazzo’s historic fabric, the apartments all follow a contemporary Florentine aesthetic and are primed to become our flagship properties within the top-tier rentals market.
A treasury of exceptional city-centre bases radiating positive energy and collectively named Dimora degli Affreschi (Residence of the Frescoes), its accommodation ranges from a spectacular 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom apartment showcasing towering ceilings cloaked in a vivid expanse of classical frescoes, through to a stylishly attired 3 bedroom / 4 bathroom duplex with roof timbers and a pair of terraces peacefully situated to the rear, while the entirely bespoke interiors have been curated by ArchFlorence, the brilliantly gifted architectural designers we’ve partnered over the past 10+ years.
Centrally located within a stone’s throw of the Uffizi Gallery and conveniently close to – yet not overwhelmed by – an array of small shops, cafes and restaurants, Dimora degli Affreschi can host up to 56 guests when reserved for exclusive use, while all pristine spaces within have been meticulously prepped for your pleasure.
Boasting top-notch comforts and all the hallmarks of Dimora Italia Collection’s styling including air-conditioning, Wi-Fi connection, custom-made fixtures and delicious decor, the apartments are individually named in honour of the owners’ adored offspring and include the fabulous fresco-filled:
DUCHESSA SOFIA (SLEEPS 4)
3rd Floor – 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
Reached via a few steps up from the main palazzo entrance with stairs and / or lift to the
3rd Floor, this bright and classically dressed apartment is similar in layout and capacity to apartment Cavalier Paolo on the floor below and comprises:
An entrance hallway with mirrored cupboard opening to reveal a washing machine / dryer offering added convenience during longer stays
A stylish open-plan main living space situated to the front of the palazzo, pristinely presented in neutral and citrus tones with the most gorgeous wooden chequerboard parquet flooring underfoot, 3 tall shuttered west-facing windows flooding the room with natural light and overlooking the Via dei Benci, a sitting area with L-shaped sofa, a dining space with circular table and elegant modernist-style chairs hosting 6 guests, a streamlined and well-equipped, stand-alone kitchenette with coffee station and integrated appliances best suited to light cooking and, looking up, the most marvellous frescoed ceiling set to take your breath away!
And on either side of the main living space…
A light and airy principal bedroom exquisitely attired in vibrant tangerine and azure blue echoing the colours of the spectacular fresco overhead and furnished with a double bed with tailored upholstery and antiqued mirror-panelled surround and a spacious walk-around closet area to the rear
A separate luxurious bathroom in marble with soft lighting, a large rain shower and a stand-alone roll top bathtub where you can soak away your cares!
The equally elegant 2nd double bedroom in pretty mulberry and mauve featuring a walk-in closet just to one side, a sleek en suite bathroom to the other with marble-encased rain shower, and a pair of cheerful cherubs in fresco form hovering as if by magic above a beautifully dressed double bed (which can be divided into ‘close’ twin beds at your request!)
On the ground floor there is a gym area with a mirrored wall, available to our guests, with two stationary bikes (one classic and one elliptical), weights and mats.
* Are you part of a larger group who’d like to stay together at the palazzo but in separate apartments? We offer 9 other deluxe apartments within Dimora degli Affreschi:
Duca Marco – 4 guests
Barone Achille – 6 guests
Don Tommaso – 6 guests
Conte Jacopo – 6 guests
Cavalier Paolo – 4 guests
Principe Ludovico – 6 guests
Donna Lipsi – 6 guests
Marchesa Olympia – 6 guests
Visconte Filippo – 8 guests
PROPERTY PRÉCIS
An imposing Florentine palazzo brought up to date with aplomb!... and joining our hugely popular Dimora Nova Terrace nearby in raising our profile in this truly magical Renaissance city.
A gentle walk to the architectural masterpiece that is Florence’s iconic Duomo (but a little more effort is required to reach the top!), and close to the Basilica and sunny Piazza Santa Croce, and to the overwhelmingly spectacular, statue-dominated Piazza della Signoria for a generous helping of people-watching and a dose of Dolce Vita.
A short stroll along the nearby Ponte alle Grazie bridge crossing the Arno to the wonderful Pitti Palace and its treasures, the bucolic Boboli Gardens, and the unmatched city vistas from the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Artisans, markets, cafes, bars and restaurants are woven through the ancient streets (including the much loved ‘La Buchetta’ directly opposite and the rustic ‘Del Fagioli’ just around the corner!), while the handy Conad supermarket close by satisfies self-catering needs, and a nearby car park provides parking if arriving on four wheels.
Beds will be arranged as either doubles or twins as shown in the photos. The possibility of turning a double bed into twins or vice versa can be found in the description and must be requested at least 7 days before arrival.
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The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Property Registration Number IT048017B4I8UB5MDH
Property # 11314747
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Florence
Historic Centre of Florence, a neighbourhood in Florence, is home to this apartment. Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio. Galileo Museum - Institute and Museum of the History of Science and Boboli Gardens are also worth visiting.
Florence (ZMS-Santa Maria Novella Train Station) - 19 min walk
Peretola Airport (FLR) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
Gelateria dei Neri - 1 min walk
Melaleuca - 2 min walk
Ditta Artigianale - 2 min walk
Club culinario toscano da Osvaldo - 3 min walk
La Prosciutteria - 2 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Duchessa Sofia - Dimora degli Affreschi Florence pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Duchessa Sofia - Dimora degli Affreschi Florence?
As of 25 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Duchessa Sofia - Dimora degli Affreschi Florence on 18 Aug, 2026 start from S$1,001, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Duchessa Sofia - Dimora degli Affreschi Florence?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Duchessa Sofia - Dimora degli Affreschi Florence?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Duchessa Sofia - Dimora degli Affreschi Florence located?
Located in Historic Centre of Florence, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Arno River and Palazzo Vecchio. Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio are also within 10 minutes. Unità Tram Stop is 16 minutes by foot and San Marco University Tram Stop is 17 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My husband, our friend and I visited Venice, Cinque, Terra, Florence and Rome. We stayed in VRBOs City and this property was by far the clear winner by a mile! Location is perfectly central to so much – from museums to shopping. The apartment was nicely furnished with coffee maker, hot water, kettle, iron, and ironing board, and a major plus a unit that did washing and dry drying!
Canh V.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Nov, 2024
Thanks so much for your fabulous review! – we’re really delighted that you had such a lovely time. Hoping that you have special memories of Florence, and Italy, and that you come back soon to do it all over again! Sending you, your husband and friends our very best wishes, it was a real pleasure having you stay.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
jack
23 Nov, 2024
Exceeded every possible expectation
This apartment is absolutely stunning and the location could not be better. We walked everywhere, but were always happy to come home to such a delightful apartment. Very roomy, Fashionably decorated, with every possible kitchen need and outstanding linens. I have never stayed in a rental apartment that was a superb as this one.
I cannot recommend any improvement
jack
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Tracey
9 May, 2024
What an amazing apartment!
Our family of 4 had a wonderful 2 night stay. The apartment exceeeded our expectations. It was stocked with everything you might need, even a juicer! I was also very impressed with the level of service we had with restaurant suggestions, transfer help etc. so nice to have concierge service available. Communication was great. So happy I found this place and will definitely stay with them again. Thanks for taking such good care of us Azzurra️
Better sound proof window glass?
Tracey
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Thuy Phuong
17 May, 2024
What an amazing place, exactly as the pictures, like from a magazine..
Everything is spotless clean, comfortable beds, every little detail is well thought and taken care. Washer AND dryer (very much needed). Small kitchen but has everything you need. Host is responsive (their office is at the ground floor on the same building) Right across the street is a very good pizza place, down the street is a good local restaurant. Nearby is one of the best gelato and the super famous sandwich place. Also nearby is a popular cafe with AMAZING croissants. Walkable everywhere in Florence.. the location is central and safe. Great stay!!
Thuy Phuong
About the host
Hosted by Views On Venice & Dimora Italia
Languages:
English, French, Italian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests