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DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN

Photo gallery for DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN

Outdoor dining
Terrace/patio
Exterior detail
Interior
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 226 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN

"The Sphinx of the Secret Garden", ground floor studio apartment with private access to the internal garden and the Renaissance portico.
It is located in a monumental Renaissance palace surmounted by a high medieval tower, along one of the oldest and most lively streets of Florence, in the heart of the city.
Ideal for 1-2 people: double bed; equipped kitchenette; white Carrara marble bathroom with shower; air conditioning; Wifi.
Table and chairs on the porch allow guests to sit and live outdoors, in every season: drink a glass of wine, eat, work or relax in complete tranquility, leaving out the lively away ....... a a few meters from the crowd a sudden oasis of peace !!
The center of the garden is occupied by a large Art Nouveau sculpture: "The Sphinx and the Lying Maiden"

If you wish to book another apartment in the TOWER:

THE DONATI TOWER’S LOGGIA - with panoramic LOGGIA, 5th floor w/lift, 1 bedroom + 1 sofa bed for 2/3 people, AC, wi-fi - https://www.vrbo.com/10825778ha

THE DONATI TOWER'S TERRACE - with large panoramic TERRACE, 5th floor w/lift, 2 bedrooms, for 4 people, AC, wi-fi - https://www.vrbo.com/11205906ha

SANTA CROCE in the DONATI TOWER - with spaciouos panoramic BALCONY, 4th floor w/lift - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 persons - https://www.vrbo.com/10569688ha



THE PALACE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

The ancient 13th-century tower belonged to the powerful Donati family. When the fortune of the Donati waned, the tower was incorporated in the second half of the sixteenth century into the Palazzo degli Albizi, a family of Florentine merchants and bankers who competed for a long time with the Medici for city supremacy. From the Albizi the palace passed in the 18th century to the Tassinari family and finally in 1929 to the family of the current owners.
The apartments located in a very central and ancient street, as well as the entire Palace and the Tower, are of great historical interest and bound by the Superintendence of artistic and cultural heritage of the Ministry of Culture. It is therefore the ideal place to dive in the history and beauty of the golden age of Florence.
The Donati Tower Apartments are located in an ideal position to reach on foot the most important sights and museums of Florence: among others, the Basilica of Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello Museum, the Duomo with Giotto's Bell Tower, the Medici Chapels in San Lorenzo, the Accademia Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, as well as Palazzo Pitti, the church of Santo Spirito and the Boboli Gardens across the River Arno.
Being the owner a librarian by profession, he is of course obliged to suggest a visit or two to the nearby municipal library of the Oblate, in via dell'Oriolo, achieved in a spectacular architectural environment, with a large terrace and bar practically under the Brunelleschi’s Dome of the Duomo: internet, reading rooms, international magazines, children's room…
Bakery, greengrocer, butcher, newsagent, supermarket and pharmacy are a short step from the apartment, as well as the typical market of Sant'Ambrogio where to find all the Tuscan food specialties, and taverns and restaurants, with great traditional Tuscan cuisine.
And eventually shopping in the boutiques of the most famous Italian and foreign designers on the nearby via Calzaiuoli, via Roma, via Tornabuoni, via della Vigna Nuova.

Property manager

Antonella

Languages

English, French, Italian

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Coin laundry

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Garden
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Unit size: 280 square feet
  • Water-efficient toilets

Similar properties

Exterior

Donati Tower's Loggia: spectacular view of the Duomo, in the heart of Florence

Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (110)
Donati Tower's Loggia: spectacular view of the Duomo, in the heart of Florence

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

About the area

Map
Firenze, Città Metropolitana di Firenze

What's nearby

  • Historic Centre of Florence - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Piazza del Duomo - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Uffizi Gallery - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Ponte Vecchio - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Unità Tram Stop - 14 min walk
  • Florence (ZMS-Santa Maria Novella Train Station) - 17 min walk
  • Peretola Airport (FLR) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lion's Fountain - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Locale - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Sushi Nami - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Off Hook - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Maestri di Fabbrica - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN located?

Located in Duomo, this golf apartment building is steps away from Teatro Verdi and Historic Centre of Florence. Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria are also within 10 minutes. Unità Tram Stop is 14 minutes by foot and Valfonda - Stazione Santa Maria Novella Tram Stop is 16 minutes.

DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 113 out of 128 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 128 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 128 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 128 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 128 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Deanna R.

Liked: Cleanliness
A special property in a great location!
This is one of those special properties that you discover online and you hope it’s as good as it looks…then it’s better!! It has character and comfort at every turn. The building is a phenomenal 700 year old family heirloom, and it has been beautifully designed to take advantage of the incredible secret courtyard. The statues watch over you as you relax in the comfortable bed. The Carrera marble shower is more beautiful luxury. The kitchenette is just enough for drinks and snacks, and you’ll want to eat out anyway at one of the phenomenal restaurants (3-10 min walk) that are recommended on a helpful list from the kind and caring hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pefect Place
We absolutely loved the apartment, just as advertised. Anthony met us at the door was there to help us with the luggage and patiently showed us around. I would definitely recommend this place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful accommodations in Florence
Hosts Antonella and Stefano were so gracious and provided a great experience for my 5-day visit to Florence. Their suggestions for museums, restaurants, and neighborhood walks were very helpful. The studio apartment was lovely and very comfortable, and the garden was a relaxing environment to take a break from exploring the city. I hope to stay there again when I visit Florence in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at the sphinx of the secret garden studio apartment was great. The property is in a wonderful area in the city center of Florence with walkable access to all of the main attractions. The apartment was clean and looked exactly as shown in the photos. The owner was very responsive and courteous, and provided great recommendations for various restaurants and activities. The garden courtyard was such a nice area to relax and enjoy a coffee before heading out for the day. The area is less busy than directly around the Duomo, but has plenty of activity and places to eat right outside of the door. As stated in one of the other reviews, there is activity that can go on late and sounds from the elevator, which was helpful to know but was not a big issue for us. Our focus was to experience as much of the city as possible, so the liveliness was part of the attraction. The apartment was cozy, but the high ceilings and outdoor courtyard made the space feel big.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tanya M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful Apartment in Charming Neighborhood
We were greeted at check in with a warm greeting and orientation to the area. The apartment has an amazing private courtyard and patio set where we spent a lot of time with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. The apartment is compact and tastefully decorated with many thoughtful touches. The location is nestled in a wonderful neighborhood where we got to know the cafe staff. It is also close to and within walking distance to all of the popular sites. It was a magical stay and would highly recommend staying there.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Adorable Studio Apartment in an Ancient Tower
The room is small, but comfortable and cozy! There are double French doors that look out into a lovely ancient garden, and the owners have set a café table and chairs out there to be used by the occupants of the apartment. The location is fantastic! You're right in the middle of everything, and the owner provides you with a map and a list of tourist traps to avoid. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

dawn e.

Liked: Cleanliness
Room with a view
This sweet little place is as charming as the photo. It’s small but perfect location and just enough for a vacation getaway. Beautiful view of the courtyard is an added plus
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dee M., USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly recommended, historic, beautiful and centrally located
I had a wonderful experience staying at the Sphinx of the Garden and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable stay. The communication with the property owner was excellent both before and during the trip. Upon arrival, the owner gave us a personal tour of the property and shared several "off the beaten track" recommendations for dinner and excursions, which greatly enhanced our experience. The property itself was exceptionally clean and well-maintained. One of our favorite features was the personal garden, where we enjoyed breakfast every morning. It provided a serene and private space to start our days. Additionally, the location of the property is fantastic. It is not more than a 10-minute walk from most historic destinations, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing and exploring the local area. Overall, I highly recommend Sphinx of the Garden and would definitely stay there again. The combination of excellent service, a beautiful property, and a prime location made our stay truly memorable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Florence
Thanks Antonella. We had a wonderful stay in the garden apartment. It has been our favorite place so far on our trip. The apartment is absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Buddy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Center of the action
Location is King for this property - you are a 6 to 7 walk to the Duomo, and a 15 to 20 minute walk to anywhere you want to be in Florence. Unit has little storage so is more suitable for short stays. Bed was very firm but comfortable. There is A/C in the unit, but is controlled by the owner, which is regrettable. The only other negative is that it can be noisy at times given the banging from the elevator outside the door going to different floors of the building and some ambient noise coming from above the courtyard outside at night. Overall we enjoyed our stay of 7 nights. Owners were responsive and gave good info on local restaurants and eateries, several of which we tried. Don’t miss La Loggia cafe/bistro for great & inexpensive morning cafe + pastries 100M to the left exiting the unit.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

DAWN

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location lovely outdoor space. Did not meet the hosts as they were away but had excellent communication.

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Florentine Stay❤️
Lovely private garden! Perfect Place for a Perfect Florentine Stay!❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Garden oasis
This was the perfect peaceful oasis in the midst of the chaos of Florence! Clean comfortable, and most important was the privacy of having our own little garden! You have been the most gracious hosts and I highly recommend to anyone staying in Florence!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN was beautiful and even better in person. The host was wonderful and gave us all the information we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca W.

Liked: Cleanliness
An Oasis!
Quite simply, we loved our stay this apartment. It was magical staying in a building with so much history. The apartment was beautiful and had all the modern conveniences. The garden was enchanting- an oasis of calm that allowed us to decompress from the bustle of tourists in Florence. A glass of wine at night, looking at the illuminated Sphinx, was the perfect end to every day. Our hosts were very helpful and attentive, with great recommendations for restaurants and activities. The location is within easy walking distance of everything you want to see while visiting Florence. Can’t wait to stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Stepping back in time.
The Sphinx of The Secret Garden was beautiful! It was in a great location on a street within close proximity to museums, stores, center of town, and to so much of the hustle and bustle of the going ons of locals and tourists as well. Once stepping through the large medieval doors, there was absolute serenity. Our room was clean, tastefully done with old and new elements. Our doors opened up to the garden and we yet again found ourself back in a different era. Old garden with a very old Wisteria vine climbing up the very high walls. It was completely private and all ours. Thatnk you Stephano all your help!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Snezana A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Property
We were very pleased to stay in this beautiful studio with private garden that is centrally located. Our hosts were very helpful and gave us nice tips. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

kristine c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Florence vrbo
Was a wonderful location and the property owner Stefan was great! He spent some time with us explaining attractions, markets, restaurants etc was very informative and attentive. Was a great location and within walking distance to everything we wanted to see. We had a bit of trouble finding the location thanks to an issue with google maps but that wasn’t anything to do with this property! Thank you so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dominick P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Florence museum hopping and duning
Terrific location and wonderful host - Stefan was so helpful from beginning to end and a bountiful source of information. He was above and beyond in securing us a cab ride to airport tram accompanied us - in the rain - to pick up spot Highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Sherry R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Character, garden and location
Great character to the studio. Loved the garden with table and chairs to sit in! Close to the sights. Soft towels. No bedside table or little shelf, apart from that all good.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice
All excellent
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Camilla b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
This is the place to stay in Florence. With its spectacular and quiet garden and historical significance in the heart of the city. The loveliest owners. We couldn’t recommend it more :))
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martha H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Better than what was listed
Absolutely wonderful in every way! Location was perfect-minutes from everything. Stefano gave us advice on things to do we would never have known about. The bed was much larger than we thought and very comfortable. This centuries old building was updated to everything we needed. Absolutely nothing to criticize. Will def go back/ recommend to friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

diane r., East Meadow NY

Liked: Cleanliness
We are in Italy celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary!
We totally enjoyed staying at this Duomo studio! The secret garden was a romantic added touch . It was in a convenient location, no stairs to climb and most importantly for me it was spotless with a very comfortable bed!!! We were shown the amazing Italian hospitality. We were given a bowl of fruit and bottle of Prosecco on arrival! Wow there are not enough words to say thank you for making this trip so memorable!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect oasis
From booking, the communication from the owner Antonella was so good. The apartment itself was perfect for us and location couldn’t have been better. We were able to check in early which was a huge plus and managed to converse in Spanish with the lovely Mercedes. Our only one thing was that the internet appeared to drop out after a couple of days. But apart from that it was a perfect stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023