1865 neo-Renaissance villa on the heights of Boboli, the last Florentine palace to have kept its private park.
Villa Cora
From
1,020.91 €
“2-hectare garden with outdoor pool facing the Chianti hills, 800 metres from the Ponte Vecchio.”
Villa Cora occupies a mansion built in 1865 for Baron Oppenheim, on the southern hillside of the Arno. We cross a two-hectare park planted with cypresses and magnolias before reaching the ochre façade with Corinthian columns. The interiors blend period frescoes, gilded stucco, Empire furniture and a few contemporary interventions (spa, cocktail bar). The outdoor pool overlooks Florence, open May to September, teak sun loungers and poolside service until 7pm. The rooms vary in size and style, some with private terrace overlooking Boboli, others more sober garden side. The spa offers hammam, sauna, treatment cabins, open every day from 10am to 8pm. From 1 021 € per night, we pay as much for the setting and tranquillity as for the pure pedigree ✨
Who is it for?
Who we recommend it to
We recommend Villa Cora to couples seeking a Florentine palace without the centre's bustle, with garden and pool to alternate sightseeing and lounging. It's an address for travellers aged 35 and over, honeymoons, anniversaries, minimum four-night stays. Families are accepted (communicating rooms available), but the atmosphere remains intimate, discreet international clientele.
The building
Architecture and interiors
The villa was built in 1865 for Baron Oppenheim, a German banker settled in Florence, in a neo-Renaissance style inspired by Florentine Quattrocento palaces. Ochre façade over three levels, Corinthian columns, stone balustrades, grand marble staircase from Carrara. Listed interiors: signed mural frescoes, coffered ceilings, Empire salons with gilded mirrors, panelled library. Complete renovation in 2005 with addition of the spa and modernisation of the 46 rooms, all different in size (25 to 80 m²).
At the table
Restaurants, bar, service
The Bistrot serves revamped Tuscan cuisine, seasonal terrace under the magnolias, short menu renewed monthly (fresh pasta, Chianti meats, house desserts). Continental buffet breakfast served in the dining room or in room until 11am, with pastries, Tuscan charcuterie, fresh fruit. Cocktail bar open every evening 6pm-midnight, 40 references, DJ set on Saturdays. Room service 24/7, simplified menu after 11pm.
Highlights
- Private 2-hectare park with panoramic views over Florence and the hills
- Heated outdoor pool, open May-September, poolside service until 7pm
- Spa with hammam, sauna, gym, treatment cabins, open 10am-8pm
- Le Bistrot restaurant with summer terrace under centenary magnolias
- 800 metres from Ponte Vecchio, Florence airport shuttle included
Location & access
Where the hotel sits in Florence
Villa Cora stands on Viale Machiavelli, on the south bank of the Arno, 800 metres from the Ponte Vecchio and 1.2 km from Piazza della Signoria. The neighbourhood is residential, quiet, bordered by the Boboli gardens (entrance 400 metres away). Bus line 11 stop right outside the villa, 12 minutes to the Duomo. Florence-Peretola airport 20 minutes by car, private shuttle included. Restaurants and trattorias 10 minutes' walk towards San Niccolò, an artisan quarter on a gentle slope.
Good to know
Before you book
- Pets
- Accepted without supplement, basket and bowls provided on request.
- Parking
- Free private parking in the park, 30 spaces, valet available.
- Pool
- Heated outdoor, open May to September, 10am-7pm, towels provided.
- Spa
- Open 10am-8pm every day, booking advised for treatments.
- Airport shuttle
- Included for Florence-Peretola, book 24 hours in advance.
- Wi-Fi
- Free throughout the property, fibre optic, stable connection.
Facilities
1 pool
Non-smoking rooms
Airport shuttle
Fitness centre
Room service
Restaurant
Private parking
Free parking
Spa and wellness centre
Free Wi-Fi
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Location
Where Villa Cora is located
Exact address
Villa Cora
Address
Viale Machiavelli 18
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