Torre di Bellosguardo
Aristocratic slow-life retreat. Think frescoed ceilings, stone fireplaces, four-poster beds, and total quiet — with a genuinely informal and warm family atmosphere. No bellboys in livery, no lobby boutique. This place is deliberately old-fashioned in the best possible way.
Book a room on the upper floors — those are the ones with views over Florence. Corner rooms get views on two sides.
Why It Matters
Built in 1200 by Guido Cavalcanti, Dante's closest friend and fellow poet, the tower and villa have hosted Galileo Galilei, nobles, intellectuals, and in recent decades Kate Moss, Emma Thompson, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Paul Smith. The grand foyer frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti mirror works found inside the Pitti Palace. It is independently owned and proudly not part of any chain.
A 13th-century medieval tower and Renaissance villa sitting on a hillside south of Florence, run by the Franchetti family who still live here. There are only 16 rooms, each one different, filled with antiques and original frescoes that belong in a museum. The pool — ringed by lemon trees — might genuinely have the best view of any pool in Florence.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Casa Rosa
A self-contained apartment on the hotel grounds, ideal for families. Two double bedrooms each with its own bathroom, a spacious open-plan dining/sitting room with kitchen, and a large sunny terrace with views south over the gardens and hills. A third double bed can be added for up to 5 guests. Fully independent from the hotel — self-catering, own heating and AC, free underground parking. Guests can use the hotel pool and garden.
Standard / Classic Room
Each of the 16 rooms is individually styled — no two are alike. Expect white-washed walls, original terracotta tiled floors, ornate rugs, antique furniture, and crisp linens. Some have beamed or painted wooden ceilings, carved paneling, or original frescoes. Upper-floor rooms get views over Florence or the Tuscan countryside. A few have unique touches like an upright piano.
Suite
Period suites with generous spaces, original decorations, and frescoes. Individually furnished with antiques from the noble families who once lived here. Seating area included. Some suites have views on multiple sides.
Tower Room
The jewel of the property. Located in the original 13th-century tower built by Guido Cavalcanti. Features a spectacular 360-degree panorama over Florence and the Tuscan hills. Worth noting: the path up to the tower is genuinely labyrinthine — guests describe needing a map.
The Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site cooking classes offered by the property (run by 'Anna' per guest reviews). Guests learn Tuscan recipes and get to sample the results. Reviewers specifically mention the spiced oil Anna makes. Availability upon request — contact the hotel when booking.
The estate keeps a small farm with three donkeys, a pony, ducks, and hens. These delight children exploring the property and are part of the hotel's organic farming tradition.
Large private gardens with manicured lawns, flowerbeds of irises and roses, secret paths and hidden corners, ancient cypress avenues, orchards, olive groves, and a vineyard. A genuinely lovely place to spend an hour doing nothing in particular.
The hotel can arrange guided tours of Florence and the surrounding area. Arranged through the reception.
The estate's own working vegetable garden produces the fresh fruit and vegetables served at breakfast and as snacks. Guests are free to wander through it.
A pool surrounded by lemon trees with what many consider the best view of Florence of any pool in the city. Open seasonally (summer months). Poolside bar on site.
Hotel can arrange transfer services to and from airports and the train station.
An online virtual tour of the property is available on the official website for pre-arrival exploration.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A separate meeting room seating up to 30 persons, suitable for small corporate events or private gatherings.
Shared lounge area with TV, furnished in keeping with the villa's historic character.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the property and in all rooms.
Luggage storage available for guests.
24-hour room service available.
Concierge available. Reception staff speak German, English, French, and Italian.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available.
Daily newspapers provided at reception.
Small pets are welcome at the hotel. No extra charge.
The hotel is entirely air-conditioned.
Free underground parking available on site. No reservation needed.
Electric vehicle charging station available on site.
BUILD YOUR TORRE DI BELLOSGUARDO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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