General Manager of Villa Cora Firenze
Things to do in Florence
● Walking tour with a private guide including a visit to the Uffizi, Accademia and the Duomo. This is a must to discover Florence, really impossible not to mention.
● Tour of the Artisans’ Santo Spirito district with a stop at few “ bottega” (shops) suggested by the concierge.
● Aperitivo in one of the rooftop bars of the city to enjoy the sunset as well as a “well done” Negroni, the original cocktail of Firenze.
● “Barchetto” boat tour on the Arno river at sunset. Barchetto is an historical boat and you have to sip a cool Prosecco or a glass of Chianti during the tour.
● Hot air balloon flight over Firenze at dawn to be the first to awaken the city. Have your cell charged to take a lot of pictures and videos. It is magical.
● Walking tour with a private guide including a visit to the Uffizi, Accademia and the Duomo. This is a must to discover Florence, really impossible not to mention.
● Tour of the Artisans’ Santo Spirito district with a stop at few “ bottega” (shops) suggested by the concierge.
● Aperitivo in one of the rooftop bars of the city to enjoy the sunset as well as a “well done” Negroni, the original cocktail of Firenze.
● “Barchetto” boat tour on the Arno river at sunset. Barchetto is an historical boat and you have to sip a cool Prosecco or a glass of Chianti during the tour.
● Hot air balloon flight over Firenze at dawn to be the first to awaken the city. Have your cell charged to take a lot of pictures and videos. It is magical.
Why should one choose Villa Cora
Because it is the perfect mix between a city hotel and a resort. The Villa is located in one of the most beautiful residential areas of Firenze, surrounded by gardens and trees but minutes away from the city center as there is just 1.5km to Ponte Vecchio.
You can have the best of both during your stay at Villa Cora. Enjoy Firenze, its monuments, museums, shops and all the city life at walking distance and once you are tired relax by our pool surrounded by roses and trees, be pampered at the SPA, have a drink on the multiple terraces and dine al fresco at our restaurant by the pool.
Because it is the perfect mix between a city hotel and a resort. The Villa is located in one of the most beautiful residential areas of Firenze, surrounded by gardens and trees but minutes away from the city center as there is just 1.5km to Ponte Vecchio.
You can have the best of both during your stay at Villa Cora. Enjoy Firenze, its monuments, museums, shops and all the city life at walking distance and once you are tired relax by our pool surrounded by roses and trees, be pampered at the SPA, have a drink on the multiple terraces and dine al fresco at our restaurant by the pool.
What's new in Villa Cora
Santa Cocktail Club, the new bar located in the Villa in winter and by the pool in summer. The Garden of the Villa, its flowers and its botanical elements inspired the cocktail list and will be the key to enjoy your experience, characterized by an explosion of flavors, aromas and emotions. Our Executive Chef Alessandro Liberatore created a casual menu for the Santa Cocktail Club to give a second option to our Guests in addition to the gourmet one served at Le Bistrot Restaurant.
Santa Cocktail Club, the new bar located in the Villa in winter and by the pool in summer. The Garden of the Villa, its flowers and its botanical elements inspired the cocktail list and will be the key to enjoy your experience, characterized by an explosion of flavors, aromas and emotions. Our Executive Chef Alessandro Liberatore created a casual menu for the Santa Cocktail Club to give a second option to our Guests in addition to the gourmet one served at Le Bistrot Restaurant.
Inspiration to feel like a local in Florence
● Go to Mercato Centrale and Sant’Ambrogio markets to buy fresh food, try “lampredotto” and “trippa Fiorentina” which are the favorite street foods of the Florentines.
● La Cascine Park for people who like practicing sports such as running, walking or riding but not only. It is the favorite place for locals for an outdoor walk or meeting on Sundays after a good lunch in family. And on Tuesdays there is the market.
● Go to the stadium to see a Fiorentina football match and enjoy the “viola” atmosphere. Viola (purple) is the color of the team’s t-shirt as well as the color of the Firenze flag.
● Last but not least. No cappuccino for locals after 11am latest time. This is a simple but real rule to be a local.
● Go to Mercato Centrale and Sant’Ambrogio markets to buy fresh food, try “lampredotto” and “trippa Fiorentina” which are the favorite street foods of the Florentines.
● La Cascine Park for people who like practicing sports such as running, walking or riding but not only. It is the favorite place for locals for an outdoor walk or meeting on Sundays after a good lunch in family. And on Tuesdays there is the market.
● Go to the stadium to see a Fiorentina football match and enjoy the “viola” atmosphere. Viola (purple) is the color of the team’s t-shirt as well as the color of the Firenze flag.
● Last but not least. No cappuccino for locals after 11am latest time. This is a simple but real rule to be a local.
Favorite places in the hotel
Definitely, the White Room, a super cozy and intimate living room with a wonderful fireplace in Carrara marble with the statue of Empress Eugenie Bonaparte, widow of Napoleon III. She owned the Villa in late 1870s and was the one who created the roses garden that we still enjoy with its variety of more than 100 types of roses. This is the perfect place to relax while reading a book with a good cup of tea.
Definitely, the White Room, a super cozy and intimate living room with a wonderful fireplace in Carrara marble with the statue of Empress Eugenie Bonaparte, widow of Napoleon III. She owned the Villa in late 1870s and was the one who created the roses garden that we still enjoy with its variety of more than 100 types of roses. This is the perfect place to relax while reading a book with a good cup of tea.
Where do you spend your day off
I live in the little village of San Casciano Val di Pesa, 20 minutes by car from Firenze, in the Chianti area. During summer, I love to enjoy the Tuscan countryside, relax in the garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and refresh in the pool. In winter Firenze is always full of things to see and visit but on a sunny day I also love to drive to the seaside, to Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi, not crowded and perfect for outdoors as the temperatures are always nice.
I live in the little village of San Casciano Val di Pesa, 20 minutes by car from Firenze, in the Chianti area. During summer, I love to enjoy the Tuscan countryside, relax in the garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and refresh in the pool. In winter Firenze is always full of things to see and visit but on a sunny day I also love to drive to the seaside, to Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi, not crowded and perfect for outdoors as the temperatures are always nice.
Secret places in Florence
● San Niccolò district is the place for the nightlife with a few historical cocktail bars and its bohemian atmosphere. This district is very well worth visiting also during daytime because it is near to the Bardini’ Garden and Forte Belvedere.
● Orsanmichele Church. Designed by Francesco Talenti it was the former Florence’s central grain market and was converted into a church in 14th century. A real masterpiece located downtown but its entrance is from a hidden narrow street not easy to be seen.
● Cappella Brancacci. Located inside the church of Santa Maria del Carmine this little jewel gives you the possibility to admire the masterpieces created by Masaccio, Masolino and Lippi who painted the chapel’s ceiling and walls. A real beauty.
● Opificio delle Pietre Dure Museum. This is a true off the beaten track venue. A laboratory museum where you can experience how paintings, sculptures and pieces of art were restored and renovated. The company of Opificio is still working and commissioned by the most important museums of the city such as the Duomo, Accademia and Uffizi Gallery to restore their damaged pieces of art.
● San Niccolò district is the place for the nightlife with a few historical cocktail bars and its bohemian atmosphere. This district is very well worth visiting also during daytime because it is near to the Bardini’ Garden and Forte Belvedere.
● Orsanmichele Church. Designed by Francesco Talenti it was the former Florence’s central grain market and was converted into a church in 14th century. A real masterpiece located downtown but its entrance is from a hidden narrow street not easy to be seen.
● Cappella Brancacci. Located inside the church of Santa Maria del Carmine this little jewel gives you the possibility to admire the masterpieces created by Masaccio, Masolino and Lippi who painted the chapel’s ceiling and walls. A real beauty.
● Opificio delle Pietre Dure Museum. This is a true off the beaten track venue. A laboratory museum where you can experience how paintings, sculptures and pieces of art were restored and renovated. The company of Opificio is still working and commissioned by the most important museums of the city such as the Duomo, Accademia and Uffizi Gallery to restore their damaged pieces of art.
What’s new in your city
On July 10th 2023, 12 new rooms were opened on the first floor of the Uffizi Gallery, consisting in 255 works in various media: paintings, sculptures, drawings and video art. From portraits of Gaddo, Agnolo and Taddeo Gaddi to Ai Weiwei, Antony Gormley and Yan Pei-Ming, the museum owns the world’s largest collection of artist portraits (both self-portraits and portraits of artists), with the collection started by Cardinal Leopoldo de’ Medici in 17th century. Over the centuries, acquisitions and donations have continuously enriched the collection, which has now reached over 2,000 pieces.
On July 10th 2023, 12 new rooms were opened on the first floor of the Uffizi Gallery, consisting in 255 works in various media: paintings, sculptures, drawings and video art. From portraits of Gaddo, Agnolo and Taddeo Gaddi to Ai Weiwei, Antony Gormley and Yan Pei-Ming, the museum owns the world’s largest collection of artist portraits (both self-portraits and portraits of artists), with the collection started by Cardinal Leopoldo de’ Medici in 17th century. Over the centuries, acquisitions and donations have continuously enriched the collection, which has now reached over 2,000 pieces.
Cultural events not to be missed
● Florentine New Year, March 25th - Church and Piazza SS Annunziata. All day.
The traditional Florentine New Year, on the feast of the Annunciation, begins in Palazzo Vecchio with a morning parade filling the streets with elaborate medieval dress and music. The celebration continues at the Piazza SS Annunziata where Florentines and visitors alike feast upon Italian cuisine at an outdoor market (9 am - 5 pm), enjoy an evening concert (9 pm), and observe the frescoes of the Annunciation featured in the church. From 1250 to 1750 the people of Florence gathered in the SS Annunziata to welcome the arrival of spring and to officially celebrate the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel told Mary that she would be the mother of Christ. Located in the Santissima Annunziata (the Most Holy Annunciation) church, a medieval fresco of the Annunciation was the centerpiece of the New Year festivities. It can still be viewed on the inner wall to the left of the entrance.
Legend says the artist commissioned to paint the Annunciation fell asleep after completing all but the face of the Virgin Mary. Upon his awakening, he found a completed, beautiful blonde Madonna - angelic masters had finished the fresco for him. Florentines have communed on March 25th in the presence of this holy image for centuries, and in fact were so devoted to the Madonna that for 168 years, until 1750, they refused to accept the Gregorian calendar year that begins on January 1. This devotion remains a part of their culture, so New Year is still unofficially observed on March 25th, the feast of the Annunciation, exactly nine months before Christmas and the birth of Christ.
● Florentine New Year, March 25th - Church and Piazza SS Annunziata. All day.
The traditional Florentine New Year, on the feast of the Annunciation, begins in Palazzo Vecchio with a morning parade filling the streets with elaborate medieval dress and music. The celebration continues at the Piazza SS Annunziata where Florentines and visitors alike feast upon Italian cuisine at an outdoor market (9 am - 5 pm), enjoy an evening concert (9 pm), and observe the frescoes of the Annunciation featured in the church. From 1250 to 1750 the people of Florence gathered in the SS Annunziata to welcome the arrival of spring and to officially celebrate the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel told Mary that she would be the mother of Christ. Located in the Santissima Annunziata (the Most Holy Annunciation) church, a medieval fresco of the Annunciation was the centerpiece of the New Year festivities. It can still be viewed on the inner wall to the left of the entrance.
Legend says the artist commissioned to paint the Annunciation fell asleep after completing all but the face of the Virgin Mary. Upon his awakening, he found a completed, beautiful blonde Madonna - angelic masters had finished the fresco for him. Florentines have communed on March 25th in the presence of this holy image for centuries, and in fact were so devoted to the Madonna that for 168 years, until 1750, they refused to accept the Gregorian calendar year that begins on January 1. This devotion remains a part of their culture, so New Year is still unofficially observed on March 25th, the feast of the Annunciation, exactly nine months before Christmas and the birth of Christ.
● Scoppio del Carro - Easter Sunday, Piazza del Duomo
A major event in Florence, the Scoppio del Carro, or the "explosion of the cart", dates back almost 400 years. An elaborate wagon built in 1622 and standing two to three stories high is dragged through Florence behind a fleet of white oxen decorated in garlands to the square between the Baptistery and Cathedral. The cart, properly rigged with a suitable arsenal of fireworks, awaits a dove-shaped rocket (symbolizing the Holy Spirit) from the Cathedral altar which sets off a ferocious dance of fire on impact. In old tradition, a big bang meant a good harvest.
A major event in Florence, the Scoppio del Carro, or the "explosion of the cart", dates back almost 400 years. An elaborate wagon built in 1622 and standing two to three stories high is dragged through Florence behind a fleet of white oxen decorated in garlands to the square between the Baptistery and Cathedral. The cart, properly rigged with a suitable arsenal of fireworks, awaits a dove-shaped rocket (symbolizing the Holy Spirit) from the Cathedral altar which sets off a ferocious dance of fire on impact. In old tradition, a big bang meant a good harvest.
● June 24th : Patron Saint Feast Day / Calcio Storico
Fabulous fireworks on June 24th conclude Florence's celebrations to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city. In the late afternoon, the historical football match - Calcio Storico - is played in Piazza Santa Croce, preceded by a parade through the historical center from piazza Santa Maria Novella to piazza Santa Croce. The Calcio Storico commemorates a similar match played by a soldier trapped in the city in 1530. This Renaissance soccer game is played by teams from four neighborhoods in Florence: Santa Croce (blue), Santo Spirito (white), Santa Maria Novella (red), and San Giovanni (green). The game is a combination of soccer, rugby, and big time wrestling, all played while wearing 16th century costumes.
Fabulous fireworks on June 24th conclude Florence's celebrations to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city. In the late afternoon, the historical football match - Calcio Storico - is played in Piazza Santa Croce, preceded by a parade through the historical center from piazza Santa Maria Novella to piazza Santa Croce. The Calcio Storico commemorates a similar match played by a soldier trapped in the city in 1530. This Renaissance soccer game is played by teams from four neighborhoods in Florence: Santa Croce (blue), Santo Spirito (white), Santa Maria Novella (red), and San Giovanni (green). The game is a combination of soccer, rugby, and big time wrestling, all played while wearing 16th century costumes.
● La Festa delle Rificolone (Festival of the Paper Lanterns), September 7th
On the eve of the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Florentines walk through the city carrying paper lanterns illuminated by candles from within. This tradition dates back to the Renaissance, when pilgrims bearing lanterns would gather in front of the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation (Santissima Annunziata), a Marian sanctuary, on that date. Many would arrive from outside of the city after sunset so needed a lantern to light the way.
Today the main events of the Rificolona, including a speech by Florence’s Cardinal, are held in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. The main procession, however, starts in Piazza Santa Croce at around 8 pm, and passes through Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo then through Via dei Servi to arrive into the Piazza S.S. Annunziata.
On the eve of the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Florentines walk through the city carrying paper lanterns illuminated by candles from within. This tradition dates back to the Renaissance, when pilgrims bearing lanterns would gather in front of the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation (Santissima Annunziata), a Marian sanctuary, on that date. Many would arrive from outside of the city after sunset so needed a lantern to light the way.
Today the main events of the Rificolona, including a speech by Florence’s Cardinal, are held in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. The main procession, however, starts in Piazza Santa Croce at around 8 pm, and passes through Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo then through Via dei Servi to arrive into the Piazza S.S. Annunziata.
Most interesting discoveries / experiences in Florence
● Get your bespoke shoes made at Stefano Bemer atelier and join their workshops to understand the skills which are needed to make the perfect shoe.
● Visit Bargello, Medici Chapels and Pitti Palace with the expert guidance of a private guide. Let yourself be transported back to the renaissance when the Medici family made the history of Florence to make the city a world’s heritage ever after.
● Climb the 400 steps of the Brunelleschi cupola or the Giotto bell tower and enjoy the most wonderful view over the city.
● Discover the secrets of the 2 most important food markets: San Lorenzo and Sant’Ambrogio to see how butchers cut the Chianina beef to make the perfect t-bone bistecca fiorentina!
● Get your bespoke shoes made at Stefano Bemer atelier and join their workshops to understand the skills which are needed to make the perfect shoe.
● Visit Bargello, Medici Chapels and Pitti Palace with the expert guidance of a private guide. Let yourself be transported back to the renaissance when the Medici family made the history of Florence to make the city a world’s heritage ever after.
● Climb the 400 steps of the Brunelleschi cupola or the Giotto bell tower and enjoy the most wonderful view over the city.
● Discover the secrets of the 2 most important food markets: San Lorenzo and Sant’Ambrogio to see how butchers cut the Chianina beef to make the perfect t-bone bistecca fiorentina!
Recommended Restaurants
● Le Bistrot by Villa Cora pool, our restaurant offers fine dining menus in the wonderful, classy venue of our garden. Magical atmosphere matched with the perfect food.
● Enoteca Pinchiorri, 3 Michelin star restaurant. One of the most important and historical in Italy. Make sure to book it in advance as the waiting list is long.
● Chic Nonna is the new fine dining restaurant in town opened by the famous Chef Vito Mollica. Located inside the historical Palazzo Portinari. Not to be missed.
● Cestello Risto Club, the best fish restaurant in town. When it comes to a classy, gourmet restaurant to suggest with Cestello you can’t go wrong and there is also the option to dine outdoors in summer.
● Le Bistrot by Villa Cora pool, our restaurant offers fine dining menus in the wonderful, classy venue of our garden. Magical atmosphere matched with the perfect food.
● Enoteca Pinchiorri, 3 Michelin star restaurant. One of the most important and historical in Italy. Make sure to book it in advance as the waiting list is long.
● Chic Nonna is the new fine dining restaurant in town opened by the famous Chef Vito Mollica. Located inside the historical Palazzo Portinari. Not to be missed.
● Cestello Risto Club, the best fish restaurant in town. When it comes to a classy, gourmet restaurant to suggest with Cestello you can’t go wrong and there is also the option to dine outdoors in summer.
Restaurants, bars and lounges in your city with an authentic ambience
● Buca Lapi is my favorite traditional restaurant in town. Best bistecca fiorentina as well as brasato and pasta of course. The ambience is the one of a traditional restaurant with ceiling and walls decorated by old magazine papers that give the place a few hints of fancy.
● Cinghiale Bianco is a very traditional restaurant. Wild boar sauces are their specialty. Amazing local food and a really easy going ambience and atmosphere definitely make this restaurant a place to dine at.
● Il Locale, a bar and a restaurant which has become an icon and a point of reference of locals’ nightlife. Amazing environment, food and cocktails that have made Il Locale win several awards. Book here your aperitivo to start a great night.
● Buca Lapi is my favorite traditional restaurant in town. Best bistecca fiorentina as well as brasato and pasta of course. The ambience is the one of a traditional restaurant with ceiling and walls decorated by old magazine papers that give the place a few hints of fancy.
● Cinghiale Bianco is a very traditional restaurant. Wild boar sauces are their specialty. Amazing local food and a really easy going ambience and atmosphere definitely make this restaurant a place to dine at.
● Il Locale, a bar and a restaurant which has become an icon and a point of reference of locals’ nightlife. Amazing environment, food and cocktails that have made Il Locale win several awards. Book here your aperitivo to start a great night.
Villa Cora Head Concierge recommends
Lorenzo Colella – Head Concierge
If I were to pick one I would definitely choose the Ferrari 25 kilometers driving experience. That was like a dream come true. With the help of professional drivers leading the road it was the most amazing feeling to hear the noise of a supercar engine activating its full power and horses! Not to mention being admired by everyone coming across your way … this is definitely a time when I really felt proud to be Italian! Match it with a stop at Badia a Passignano to have the best wines and lunch ever at Ristoro Antica Scuderia! Salute!
Lorenzo Colella – Head Concierge
If I were to pick one I would definitely choose the Ferrari 25 kilometers driving experience. That was like a dream come true. With the help of professional drivers leading the road it was the most amazing feeling to hear the noise of a supercar engine activating its full power and horses! Not to mention being admired by everyone coming across your way … this is definitely a time when I really felt proud to be Italian! Match it with a stop at Badia a Passignano to have the best wines and lunch ever at Ristoro Antica Scuderia! Salute!
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