Marchesa Olympia is an elegant three-bedroom duplex within Dimora degli Affreschi, an impressive 19th-century Florentine palazzo near the banks of the Arno in the vibrant Santa Croce district. Beautifully restored over three years, the palazzo combines its historic architectural character with a contemporary Florentine aesthetic, bespoke furnishings and carefully curated interiors by ArchFlorence.

Occupying the 3rd and 4th floors and sleeping up to six guests, Marchesa Olympia is distinguished by its spectacular upper-floor bedrooms and sublime rooftop views towards some of Florence's most recognisable landmarks, including Brunelleschi's Duomo, the tower of Palazzo Vecchio and Villa Bardini.

The apartment is reached via a few steps from the main palazzo entrance, with stairs and/or lift access to the 3rd floor, followed by an impressive internal steel spiral staircase leading to the 4th floor.

THE OPEN-PLAN LIVING SPACE

The main living area occupies the 3rd floor and combines the sitting room, dining area and kitchen in one spacious open-plan setting.

Three tall shuttered windows overlook the tranquil Via Mozza to the side of the palazzo, filling the room with natural light.

The interiors are styled in natural linen shades with crimson accents. A large sofa with piped edging sits upon a coordinated Kilim rug, creating a comfortable place to relax.

Beside the sitting area is a stylish hexagonal dining suite accommodating six guests, while the well-equipped kitchen sits directly opposite with integrated appliances.

At the heart of the room is the apartment's extraordinary contemporary cantilevered steel spiral staircase. This impressive piece of craftsmanship provides the main visual focus of the living space while connecting the two floors.

GUEST BATHROOM

A sparkling guest bathroom is positioned on the 3rd floor and features Pierre Frey's Ouroborus wallcovering, a wash-hand basin and a traditional high-level WC.

THE 4TH FLOOR

The striking steel staircase leads to the 4th floor, where a landing sitting area provides a peaceful place to pause and enjoy splendid rooftop views towards Villa Bardini and its terraced, cypress-clad Italianate gardens.

The landing also contains a useful closet with a washing machine and dryer and provides access to the three vaulted and timber-beamed bedrooms.

FIRST DOUBLE BEDROOM

The first upper-floor bedroom is a delightful dual-aspect double room with striking rooftop views towards Villa Bardini, Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo.

It features a double bed dressed in Casamance's Paradisiaca fabric, which can be divided into twin beds upon request.

A walk-in closet provides storage, while the sleek en-suite bathroom is finished in polished blue marmorino and features a marble rain shower with honeycomb ceramic tiling.

PRINCIPAL BEDROOM

The very pretty principal bedroom is decorated in sophisticated mauve and melanzana tones and enjoys equally impressive rooftop views towards the tower of Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo.

The room features a comfortable double bed that can be divided into twins upon request, together with a wardrobe and luxurious marble en-suite bathroom.

The bathroom includes both a marble rain shower and an elegant rolltop bathtub.

THIRD BEDROOM

At the end of the internal corridor, lined with custom-built wardrobes, is the cosy and inviting third double bedroom.

This dual-aspect room enjoys yet more rooftop views towards Palazzo Vecchio's tower and the Duomo.

The room is furnished with twin beds dressed in soft blue-grey tones. A small window beside one of the beds offers a particularly atmospheric outlook towards the hills above Florence.

The bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom finished in marble and polished marmorino, with a rain shower enclosed in blue diamond-pattern ceramic tiling.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

Marchesa Olympia sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms.

• First double bedroom with double bed convertible to twins upon request and en-suite rain shower
• Principal bedroom with double bed convertible to twins upon request and en-suite bathroom with rain shower and rolltop bathtub
• Third bedroom with twin beds and en-suite rain shower

Bed configurations must be requested at least 7 days before arrival.

THE PALAZZO & GYM

Dimora degli Affreschi spans five storeys of the handsome Palazzo Fossi and contains ten individually designed apartments.

Guests also have access to a gym area on the ground floor. The gym includes a mirrored wall, two stationary bikes — one classic and one elliptical — weights and exercise mats.

THE SANTA CROCE LOCATION

Marchesa Olympia is centrally located in Florence's historic Santa Croce district, close to the Horne Museum and within a stone's throw of the Uffizi Gallery.

The iconic Duomo is within walking distance, as are the Basilica and sunny Piazza Santa Croce and the spectacular Piazza della Signoria.

A short stroll across nearby Ponte alle Grazie takes you over the Arno towards the magnificent Pitti Palace, the treasures of the Boboli Gardens and the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

The surrounding streets are filled with artisans, markets, cafés, bars and restaurants. La Buchetta is directly opposite the palazzo, while the rustic Del Fagioli is just around the corner.

A nearby Conad supermarket provides convenient self-catering options, while a nearby car park offers parking for guests arriving by car.

LARGER GROUPS

For larger groups who would like to stay together while occupying separate apartments, nine other deluxe residences are available within Dimora degli Affreschi:

Duca Marco – sleeps 4
Barone Achille – sleeps 6
Don Tommaso – sleeps 6
Conte Jacopo – sleeps 6
Cavalier Paolo – sleeps 4
Principe Ludovico – sleeps 6
Donna Lipsi – sleeps 6
Visconte Filippo – sleeps 8
Duchessa Sofia – sleeps 4

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Air-conditioning and heating are subject to municipality regulations. Generally, heating operates from mid-October to mid-April, while air-conditioning operates from mid-April to mid-October. Please contact the host for further information.

Included services are bed linen, air-conditioning and heating.

Upon arrival, a representative will meet guests at the apartment entrance or in the common area of the palazzo, assist with check-in, register the required documents, hand over the keys and show guests around the apartment.

The Florence Tourist Tax is €5.50 per person per night, for a maximum of 7 nights, and is collected on behalf of the Municipality of Florence.

Late check-ins are subject to availability and require an additional fee payable on site.

Smoking is not permitted. Parties and events are not allowed, and pets are not permitted.

With its dramatic two-floor layout, three beautifully appointed bedrooms, four bathrooms, impressive steel spiral staircase and exceptional rooftop views towards the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Villa Bardini, Marchesa Olympia offers a memorable Florentine stay in the heart of Santa Croce.