Apartment Gonfaloniere

Apartment Gonfaloniere is the most delightful spot overlooking the River Arno in the heart of Florence. Here you can spend your holiday in luxurious surroundings within walking distance of the city's museums, galleries and restaurants.

The apartment can be found set back from the road and located on the first floor. You will see the stunning city and the river flowing by from the vast windows. The living space is open-plan and leads into the modern kitchen, creating a spacious and sociable area where you can come together with friends for a glass of wine in the evenings.

The home has been skillfully designed; the historic frescoes of the original building have been retained, but the interiors have been decorated and furnished in a chic 1950s style with gorgeous pieces of furniture and artwork. The high ceilings and coloured Italian marble used in the living space and the bathrooms bring a touch of elegance to the apartment. As well as looking incredible, the home is also cosy and has all of the modern conveniences you need for a relaxing break, including three spacious en-suite bedrooms, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and smart TVs.

The location couldn't be better as you are in San Frediano, a trendy, bohemian area or “the coolest neighbourhood in the world”, according to Lonely Planet! You will discover a less touristy, authentic part of Florence on your doorstep, filled with art studios, intimate bars, restaurants and vibrant piazzas. This is a beautiful base for your trip to Florence as you can spend time in this neighbourhood and head into the city centre at ease whenever you wish.

The best way to get around Florence is on foot because the compact city is largely pedestrianised. However, there is also a good bus network that will take you to all the critical attractions. A great way to get to know the city and plan your itinerary for the rest of your stay is to take a guided walking tour early in your trip. There are lots of tours to choose from, including full-day tours which will show you a bit of everything, to specialised history, art or food tours so your group could choose one based on your interests.

Within 2 km of the apartment, you can visit the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the imposing town hall, the Statue of David and the UNESCO-protected buildings on the Piazza del Duomo.

Features

The Apartment
Interior (140m2)

• Living room with original frescoes, sofa, armchairs and TV
• Adjoining kitchen dining room with oven, hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee machine and Moka pot
• Bedroom with queen-sized bed
• Bedroom with queen-sized bed
• Bedroom/office room with double-sized sofa bed
• Laundry room

Additional Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning (in bedrooms and living room)
• TVs
• Stereo
• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Iron and ironing board

Location

Florence is a brilliant choice for an Italian city break as the city is small enough to walk around easily. Still, countless historical and cultural attractions and plenty of excellent restaurants exist.

The apartment is located in the San Frediano neighbourhood, near the River Arno's banks and has a village-like feel. This area is fashionable with the locals but has yet to be flooded with tourists, so you will find authentic Florentine cuisine, atmospheric bars and artisan shops here. There is a lot to do here without even venturing into Florence's centre; you can visit the markets on the Piazza Santo Spirito, see tiny art studios which line the streets, visit the 15th-century Basilica of Santa Maria del Carmine, which is home to a crucifix made by Michelangelo and enjoy delicious gelato by the riverside as the sun begins to set.

You can travel only a bit to reach the heart of Florence, around 1 km from the apartment and an easy walk. As Florence is known for being the cradle of the Renaissance, the range of old churches, galleries, and museums here is unrivalled! There are so many remarkable sights you won't fit everything in, so it is worth planning what you would like to see in advance and heading out early to beat the queues. Some places sell handy combination tickets which cover entry to a few different attractions.

Some of the most-loved places to visit include the former palaces of the Medici dukes, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Palazzo Vecchio, now the picturesque town hall. The Galleria dell'Accademia is where you can see Michelangelo's statue of David, and the renowned Uffizi Gallery is a must-see for art lovers. There are also many breathtaking places of worship, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry, which are both situated on the enchanting Piazza del Duomo.

If you need some rest and relaxation, you could unwind on a scenic boat trip down the River Arno - this is a brilliant way to see the city from a different angle and rest your legs if you have had a busy few days exploring! The vast Boboli Gardens is another peaceful spot in the city, filled with sculptures, fountains, and pretty floral displays. They are an ideal place for a tasty afternoon picnic!