Entire apartment

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

Property grounds
Property grounds
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Shower, hair dryer, towels, soap
Property grounds
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2280 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Firenze, Città Metropolitana di Firenze
  • Popular LocationPiazza del Duomo5 min walk
  • Popular LocationCathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore6 min walk
  • Popular LocationUffizi Gallery9 min walk
  • AirportFlorence (FLR-Peretola)34 min drive

Most relevant reviews

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 transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower only
  • 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 center
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking 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

  • 1 unit
  • 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

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 available

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

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
Onsite 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 deadbolt lock
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 information in the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

About the neighborhood

Florence

This apartment is located in Duomo, a neighborhood in Florence, and is next to a golf course and on a river. Ponte Vecchio and Historic Center - Downtown are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Central Market and The Mall Luxury Outlet. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Coverciano or Nelson Mandela Forum. Discover the area's water adventures with motor boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails, ecotours, and mountain biking.

What's nearby

  • Piazza del Duomo - 5 min walk
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - 6 min walk
  • Uffizi Gallery - 9 min walk
  • Ponte Vecchio - 10 min walk
  • Historic Center - Downtown - 11 min walk

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Lion's Fountain - 2 min walk
  • Reverse - 1 min walk
  • Eby's - 2 min walk
  • Locale - 1 min walk
  • Sushi Nami - 2 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?

Check-out 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 within a 10-minute walk of Teatro Verdi, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and Uffizi Gallery. 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.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 101 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 114 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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 traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Meredith M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secret Garden, Close to Everything
It’s a beautiful garden studio in an amazing old building. The hosts are responsive and knowledgeable. Would stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Geoff B., Kew, London

Liked: Cleanliness
A magical oasis of peace and quiet in one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.
This property is simply gorgeous. You step off the bustling streets of Florence straight into an amazingly peaceful, tranquil, not to mention, beautiful setting. The apartment is well equipped with a very comfortable bed and clever use of space to incorporate a small, but perfectly functional kitchenette. The centrepiece however, is the stunning garden, with some beautiful plants and an impressive ‘sphynx’ statue as the centrepiece. This is the perfect location and space from which to explore the incredible city of Florence - without question one of the most stunningly beautiful cities in the world. The owner, Antonella is brilliant at responding quickly to any questions and her daughter, Matilde went out of her way to spend time explaining the local area and giving handy recommendations for great places to eat. You must go to the gelateria - Vivolo (just around the corner from the apartment). We did so on Matilde’s recommendation and went back again the next day! Everyone should visit Florence at least once and if you do, do yourself a favour and stay here. It’s perfect. Thank you so much to Antonella and Matilde for giving us such a memorable holiday. We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connor W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Florence trip
We highly recommend this property. The property owners were great and helped us identify some of the best places to see and eat. The location is private, yet in the heart of the city. We will be staying here again on future visits!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheldon P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful garden apartment
Stefano and Antonella were amazing hosts with excellent suggestions and a beautiful garden! There is even an historic wine window in the building! Right in the historic center and close to everything you want to see. I would recommend this place to anyone visiting Firenze! We met so many good people on the same street that you can’t go wrong staying here. Make sure to go to De Gus right down the street and tell them Sheldon and Kerry from Detroit say Caio!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Position excellent courtyard tranquil
Close to the features that make Florence the place you want to see , within easy reach of cafe’s restaurants. To sit in the courtyard/ garden at night after your day, gives you a perfect place to plan your next day while enjoying the tranquility that this garden creates.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie-Ann J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic studio apartment.
Super comfortable. Fantastic garden off studio apartment ground floor. Very private. Super central. Super hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic property
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Antonella and Stefano’s property. Although small, it has everything you need for a short stay in Florence with the added bonus of the amazing garden. It was wonderful to close the front door on the somewhat overwhelming hustle and bustle of the Firenze streets and enter an oasis of calm. It is perfectly situated for visiting all the well known sights as well as some lesser known ones and has a myriad of restaurants nearby. Antonella and Stefano were great to work with and all Stefano’s recommendations for restaurants were spot on.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
A week in Florence
Amazing studio with a secret garden. We enjoyed the morning coffee and breakfast in a private garden in …..the heart of historic centre ! Stefano is a fantastic host. He made us feel like home from the moment we met. Plenty of good restaurants and coffee shops around. We will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim F., Cochrane, AB. Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome stay in an awesome location.
We had a great five days here. Easy contact with the hosts, who greeted us in person, and even helped us find transportation to the airport at the end of the stay. A perfect location in terms of access to all the key sites in downtown Florence, with the added bonus of a private garden in the middle of the city. Just watch out for the hungry mosquitoes. All in all, a great spot for feeling like a local as a tourist. Highly recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mohammed Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Gem Retreat in the heart of Florence
An wonderful lodging expereince with history attached to it. Antonella and Stefano are the the perfect host and deserve more than five stars. They go beyond and above to make sure we had a comfortable stay. Location is perfect to explore Florence and we appreciated the details that the welcome kit that was provided. Very useful tips especially the walks and restaurant reviews. The recommended tour company to Sienna, Pisa and San Gimignano was perfect. Highly recommend the studio for your future trip to Florence.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Therese Holm T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very central and nice place
We really enjoyed our stay in this studio with the lovely garden. The host was very nice and provided good suggestion for places to visit and eat. Highly recommend place to stay in Firenze. Regards, Therese&Marius
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is a gem in the middle of a busy City. Spotlessly clean, in a great location. Having the private garden was an absolute treat. It was so peaceful in the studio/garden - just what was needed after a day sightseeing. Highly recommend this stunning studio. If we are ever back in Florence would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve J., Nashville, TN

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location!
The beautiful courtyard with blooming wisteria was an added plus.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023