Florence in Focus: Discovering Collegio alla Querce
In a peaceful corner of Florence’s Le Cure district, just beyond the Renaissance bustle, an elegant chapter of Tuscan life quietly unfolds.
Housed in a sensitively restored 16th-century hilltop estate that once served as a distinguished boarding school, the new Collegio alla Querce is far more than a hotel—it is a cultivated experience, where art, architecture, cuisine and hospitality come together in an extraordinary Italian reverie.
Awaken in the Florentina One Bedroom Suite
The day begins in the Florentina One Bedroom Suite, a quiet blend of Florentine heritage and contemporary refinement. Sunlight filters through oversized paned windows, warming the exposed timber ceilings and hand-finished wool upholstery. The sitting room invites a slow morning—perhaps an espresso curled up on the sofa—before breakfast at the private dining table. With a bottle of Tuscan red waiting in your own wine cellar, this suite offers not only sweeping views over Firenze and the Duomo, but also the comfort of feeling entirely at home.
Graze and Gather at the Chef’s Table
As mid-morning sets in, the welcoming aromas of La Gamella drift through the halls. Anchored by an open Italian kitchen, the Chef’s Table feels less like a formal dining space and more like Nonna’s hearth. Guests are encouraged to graze on fresh pastries and small bites throughout the day, all while watching the culinary team prepare pasta and desserts in an interactive aperitivo ritual. Whether joining an impromptu cookery class or simply soaking in the convivial atmosphere, the Chef’s Table makes you part of the story.
La Gamella: Artful Cuisine with Country Soul
At lunch, La Gamella emerges as a showcase of Tuscan terroir. With interiors that blend the raw beauty of the countryside and effortless Italian flair, the menu offers seafood-forward dishes alongside hearty regional fare. Each plate is a study in balance—thoughtfully composed, seasonally inspired, and brimming with local character. The wine list, of course, pays homage to the region, with vintages that echo the land outside. It’s a dining experience that feels at once elevated and deeply rooted.
An Afternoon of Stillness and Sun
Afterwards, wander through the resort’s manicured gardens or recline by the outdoor pool overlooking the skyline. The spa invites deeper restoration—perhaps a signature treatment followed by a moment on the sun terrace. Time here is elastic, and even stillness feels purposeful. Whether reading in the shade or sipping a herbal tisane, the atmosphere encourages presence.
Evening Alchemy at Bar Bertelli
As dusk paints the Duomo in gold, Bar Bertelli beckons. Once the office of the headmaster, the bar now explores the alchemy of mixology, with a cocktail list inspired by science, exploration and the golden age of discovery. Global small plates—drawing from Asia to Mexico—nod to tales once told in the school’s history books. Come nightfall, the mood shifts with live performances: a magician here, a mentalist there—entertainment designed to surprise and delight. Guests can linger with a hand-rolled cigar or sip something stirred with intention.
A New Classic for the Cultured Traveller
Collegio alla Querce is more than a retreat—it’s a return to refinement. Within its cloistered halls and cypress-lined courtyards, time slows, the senses stir, and Tuscany’s timeless beauty takes centre stage. Whether drawn by art, architecture, or the quiet allure of life above Florence, this hilltop sanctuary offers something increasingly rare: the luxury of presence.