Relais Santa Croce

Florence

When it comes to culture and history, Florence is the city in all of Italy. Its heritage attracts a horde of visitors annually. One of the most frequented places is the Piazza Santa Croce, which is also one of the oldest piazzas in the city. It’s here that we discover he renowned Santa Croce basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic art, whose construction began in 1294. The basilica lies on the foundations of a Franciscan church built shortly after the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. Its green and white marble façade by Prato is pure beauty, as are the frescoes, statues and stained glass windows inside. Its convent is famous for having received historical personalities including Saint Anthony of Padua and numerous popes who came here for a restful vacation. The basilica has often been qualified as a Pantheon of Italian, since it contains the remains of Italian geniuses including Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo and Rossini.

A haven of peace and quiet

Ideally situated in the heart of Florence, the Relais Santa Croce is a true jewel. This five-star hotel is in the Santa Croce quarter, the city’s historical center. This former 18^th century palace, with its highly qualified personnel, has an aura of Italian style elegance. Each room has its own original décor so that each guest feels hi or she is important and unique. The furniture is both classical, with cupboards, commodes and desks in carved wood, and contemporary, thanks to its modern materials like lacquered wood, which is very present in a number of rooms. The colors alternate between whites, beiges, greens and oranges, and the walls contain wood furnishings and historic frescoes. The suites of course, are more spacious, with a more elaborate décor, rivaling each other in opulence. The Pepi Presidential suite has an arched ceiling embellished with 19^th century frescoes, whereas the Verrazzano suite’s ceiling has Florentine paneling decorated in stucco with large flowers. The Santa Croce suite is one of the longest and most beautiful in the city, with 260 square meters of comfort, luxury and beauty.

The Guelfi e Ghibellini restaurant and its Chef, Marco Tremonte, propose a typically regional cuisine, but with a hint of originality and a very tempting wine list.

“Imagine a harmonious ensemble, where history, elegance and good taste combine to offer guests an unforgettable vacation in the most aristocratic of cities. Open your eyes: here you are at the Relais Santa Croce in Florence!”

Eugenio Rizo, Director of the Relais Santa Croce