Most travellers who visit Florence haven’t really heard of Le Cure neighbourhood before. Yet with the arrival of this new luxury hotel from the Auberge Collection, this destination has entered the spotlight. It’s only ten minutes from the center, still extremely residential, with a few secret spots (make sure to grab a gelato from Gelateria Cavini when you visit), but it also makes it a breath of fresh air, to escape the crowds below and enjoy the city from a different perspective. Collegio alla Querce is a former 16th-century cultural institution turned elegant 83-room hotel. Perched on this gentle hill, with breathtaking views of the Duomo and Florence’s sea of terracotta rooftops from the suites, the property blends history, art, culinary excellence and hospitality in a setting that feels both a little noble and contemporary.
The transformation is thanks to visionary hotelier Analjit Singh (of the Leeu Collection), who reimagined the once-abandoned schoolhouse as an elegant city stay. Florentine design studio ArchFlorence handled the interiors, preserving original features: coffered ceilings, aged frescoes, stone staircases, while layering in artisanal Italian textiles, contemporary art, and warm, residential touches. Rooms are unique yet harmonious in suave colour tones: some come with freestanding bathtubs overlooking the city skyline, others feature intricately carved four-poster beds beneath exposed beams, or walls lined with museum-worthy frescoes.
Outside, the grounds are just as carefully considered. Landscape designer Francesca Watson restored the four-tiered terraced gardens to their former Medici-inspired splendour: think clipped hedges, cypress-lined paths, and sweeping lawns – here, you’ll find a fantastic swimming pool to splash around and sunbathe during the summer months. While the inner courtyard, a continuation of La Gamella restaurant, blooms with ruby-red flowers and trickling fountains offering the ultimate, romantic setting for al-fresco lunches, aperitivi and dinners.
La Gamella is in fact the heart and soul of the culinary experience at Collegio. Helmed by Chef Nicola Zamperetti whose recent curriculum took him from Sicily to Rome and now to Florence. With experience in fine dining, working closely with Ciccio Sultano, Nicola brought his skillset and translates this into a tradition-honoured menu refined with seasonal produce and precise technique. Taste the Pici (strictly homemade) with Chianina Ragù, the Spaghetto alle Vongole or the Cacciucco (a fish-based stew born in Livorno). While you wait, a “small” appetiser will be served, alongside freshly baked warm bread and focaccia (don’t pass on this, it’s exquisite, especially when dipped in the olive oil). Ps. don’t skip the tiramisù. The recipe’s a secret, but a cooking class with the pastry chef may just reveal it.
The former principal’s office has been converted into Bar Bertelli, a great space for aperitivo made of international tapas-style bites and late-hour cocktails that seep into the cigar room. For a moment of stillness, head to the Aelia Spa, where treatments draw from the surrounding gardens, vineyards and olive groves, while the main building houses a fully equipped gym and yoga room. Also, there are plenty of events organised at Collegio alla Querce, whether you’re an in-house guest: think Afternoon Tea, Sunday Brunch, Jazz Club nights (take a peak at the website to find out more).
Discover Collegio alla Querce
*cover image courtesy Daniele Zecca, @myapulianway