“People visiting Florence want to see the most famous sites – the Accademia Gallery, ‘the’ David – but I like to suggest places that not everyone knows about. ”
Roberto Luddi, Assistant Head Concierge at Hotel Savoy in Florence, has been part of the Rocco Forte family for 23 years. He takes us on the path less travelled to some of his favourite places around the city – including where to get the best Negroni in town.
From Renaissance to Contemporary Art
Florence is full of art. But alongside the famous Renaissance art there are also amazing collections of contemporary art that not many people know about. Close to the hotel, Collezione Roberto Casamonti is well worth a visit. Mr Casamonti has built an amazing collection of pieces – by Miró and Basquiat – from the 1960s to the modern day.
Unearthing Archaeological Finds
For history buffs we have an impressive National Archaeological Museum. It's the second largest collection of historical artefacts in Italy after Turin. Florence has an abundance of museums, but what makes the archaeological museum so interesting is that it houses pieces that span centuries. From the Etruscan period, Greek and Roman times, even from the Egyptian era – there are some truly fascinating finds.
Gilded Treasures in the Chapel of Kings
The streets of Florence are filled with art – from frescos to sculpture and architecture – and one of the best places to experience this is Palazzo Medici Riccardi, owned by the Medici family. Again, it’s not as well known as some of the other palaces and chapels. The building itself is beautiful, but the most important thing is to visit the Cappella dei Magi.
This tiny chapel within the building is quite magical. It’s covered with frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli – portraits of Lorenzo de' Medici, Giuliano de' Medici, some of the most influential people in Florence during the Renaissance. I recommend joining a tour so you can learn about the history of the famous Medici family who helped shape Florence
Where Roberto goes for an Aperitivo
For something more social, I’d head to Giacosa Cafe – the birthplace of the Negroni. The original site was opened in the 1800s but closed down some years ago. Now it’s been brought back to life, just across the road from the original site and they make a fantastic Negroni – myself and the team often go there. When I’m at home with my wife, however, we enjoy the Italian Malfy pink gin – that’s my favourite!
Over the Terracotta Rooftops of Florence
For the best views over the city, people generally head straight to Piazza Michelangelo – and while this is great, it’s often very busy. I recommend going a little bit further, only five minutes’ more to the amazing Gothic church of San Miniato al Monte. It’s a little bit of a walk uphill, but the views – uninterrupted by the crowds – are most definitely worth it.
Enchanting Art by Giotto
If you only have time to see one thing in Florence, Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti is a beautiful Baroque church about a ten-minute walk from the hotel. Restored over many years, it looks amazing now. A highlight is a stunning cross in blue and gold, with Giotto’s paintings decorating it; it’s truly unique. A wonderful place to walk around while taking in the magnificent frescos, and sit in silence, so peaceful.
The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Via de’ Tornabuoni… nowhere has neighbours like Hotel Savoy.
Phone Number*
Address
Piazza della Repubblica 7
50123 Florence, Italy
Florence
50123 Florence, Italy
Florence
The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Via de’ Tornabuoni… nowhere has neighbours like Hotel Savoy.
Phone Number*
Address
Piazza della Repubblica 7
50123 Florence, Italy
Florence
50123 Florence, Italy
Florence
The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Via de’ Tornabuoni… nowhere has neighbours like Hotel Savoy.
Phone Number*
Address
Piazza della Repubblica 7
50123 Florence, Italy
Florence
50123 Florence, Italy
Florence