Step into the refined world of Marchesa Olympia, an elegant three-bedroom duplex occupying the 3rd and 4th floors of a beautifully restored 19th-century Florentine palazzo in the heart of Santa Croce. Sleeping up to 6 guests and offering 4 bathrooms, this sophisticated residence combines the character of historic Florence with contemporary design, bespoke craftsmanship, and carefully curated interiors.

Set near the banks of the Arno on the ancient Via dei Benci, the apartment forms part of Dimora degli Affreschi, an ambitious restoration project that has transformed the entire five-storey Palazzo Fossi into a collection of 10 distinctive residences. The restoration was carried out over three years by a team of specialists with a deep appreciation for the building's historic fabric, while the interiors were curated by ArchFlorence to create a contemporary Florentine aesthetic.

Marchesa Olympia occupies two levels and is especially memorable for its dramatic cantilevered steel spiral staircase, which rises through the center of the main living area and provides the connection between the living spaces and the bedroom floor above.

The apartment is filled with character, from its vaulted and timber-beamed bedrooms to its carefully selected furnishings and spectacular elevated views across the rooftops of Florence.

THE LIVING SPACE

The main level opens into a spacious open-plan sitting, dining, and kitchen area, illuminated by three tall shuttered windows overlooking the tranquil Via Mozza alongside the palazzo.

The interiors combine natural linen shades with carefully placed crimson accents, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. A large sofa with piped edging sits on a coordinated Kilim rug, providing a comfortable setting for relaxing together after a day exploring Florence.

Beside the sitting area is a distinctive hexagonal dining table with seating for 6. The arrangement makes the space particularly well suited to shared meals, conversation, and relaxed evenings at home.

The well-equipped kitchen is positioned directly opposite the dining area, with integrated appliances arranged along the wall for a streamlined appearance.

At the center of the room is the apartment's most striking architectural feature: a contemporary cantilevered steel spiral staircase. An impressive piece of craftsmanship, the staircase is both functional and visually dramatic, becoming the focal point of the open-plan living area as it rises toward the 4th floor.

A stylish guest bathroom completes the main level. It features Pierre Frey's Ouroborus wallcovering, a wash-hand basin, and a traditional high-level WC.

THE UPPER FLOOR

The steel staircase leads to the 4th floor, where a landing sitting area provides a peaceful additional space within the apartment.

This upper level enjoys beautiful rooftop views toward the 17th-century Villa Bardini and its terraced, cypress-clad Italianate gardens. The landing also conceals a useful closet containing a washing machine and dryer.

From here, the apartment's three bedrooms are arranged along the upper level. Each bedroom features its own distinctive character, vaulted or timber-beamed elements, and views across Florence's rooftops.

BEDROOM ONE

The first bedroom is a delightful dual-aspect double bedroom with striking views from its windows toward Villa Bardini, Palazzo Vecchio's tower, and Brunelleschi's Duomo.

The room features a double bed dressed in Casamance's Paradisiaca fabric. The bed can be divided into two single beds when requested in advance, providing flexibility for different group arrangements.

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

PRINCIPAL BEDROOM

The principal bedroom is decorated in elegant shades of mauve and melanzana and enjoys equally impressive rooftop views toward the tower of Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo.

The bedroom features a double bed that can be divided into twin beds upon request, together with a wardrobe and a refined marble en-suite bathroom.

The bathroom features both a rain shower and a roll-top bathtub, creating a particularly luxurious private bathing space.

BEDROOM THREE

At the end of the internal corridor, which incorporates custom-built wardrobes, lies a cozy and inviting third double bedroom.

This dual-aspect bedroom enjoys further rooftop views toward Palazzo Vecchio's tower and the Duomo. It is furnished with twin beds dressed in soft blue-grey tones.

A small window beside one of the beds provides a particularly charming view toward the hills above Florence, creating a peaceful setting for relaxing at the end of the day.

The bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, finished in marble and polished marmorino. The bathroom features a rain shower surrounded by distinctive blue diamond ceramic tiling.

FLORENCE FROM ABOVE

The elevated position of Marchesa Olympia gives the upper floor a particularly memorable atmosphere.

The bedrooms look across Florence's historic rooftops toward some of the city's most recognizable landmarks, including Brunelleschi's Duomo, the tower of Palazzo Vecchio, and Villa Bardini with its Italianate gardens.

These views provide a beautiful backdrop throughout the stay, while the vaulted ceilings, timber beams, refined fabrics, and carefully selected furnishings give the sleeping areas a distinctly Florentine character.

THE PALAZZO

Marchesa Olympia is part of Dimora degli Affreschi, a collection of 10 individually designed apartments occupying the restored Palazzo Fossi.

The handsome 19th-century palazzo stands beside the art-filled Horne Museum on the ancient Via dei Benci, close to the Arno and within easy reach of the historic center.

The restoration has retained the atmosphere and character of the original building while introducing contemporary comforts and bespoke interiors. Throughout the residences, guests can expect features such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, custom-made fixtures, and carefully curated décor.

The building's collection ranges from intimate two-bedroom residences to larger multi-bedroom apartments, making it possible for larger groups to stay together within the same palazzo while maintaining separate private apartments.

SHARED GYM

Guests also have access to a gym area located on the ground floor of the palazzo.

The gym includes a mirrored wall, two stationary bikes—one classic and one elliptical—along with weights and exercise mats, providing a convenient space for maintaining a workout routine during a stay in Florence.

LOCATION

Marchesa Olympia enjoys a highly central position in the Santa Croce district, near the banks of the Arno and just a short distance from the Uffizi Gallery.

The surrounding area combines the historic character of Florence with a lively selection of cafés, restaurants, shops, markets, and local businesses. The Uffizi Gallery is only a short distance away, while the iconic Duomo can be reached with a pleasant walk through the historic center.

Piazza Santa Croce and its magnificent Basilica are also nearby, as is Piazza della Signoria, one of Florence's most celebrated squares and an exceptional place to experience the city's architecture, sculpture, and atmosphere.

A short stroll toward Ponte alle Grazie brings guests across the Arno toward the Pitti Palace and its extensive art collections. The beautiful Boboli Gardens are nearby, while Piazzale Michelangelo provides some of the city's most spectacular panoramic views.

The immediate neighborhood also offers convenient everyday amenities. Cafés, bars, restaurants, artisans, and markets are woven through the surrounding historic streets, while a nearby Conad supermarket provides an easy option for groceries and self-catering.

A nearby car park is also available for guests arriving by car.

BED CONFIGURATION

The apartment sleeps up to 6 guests across three bedrooms.

The first bedroom has a double bed that can be divided into twins upon request.

The principal bedroom has a double bed that can also be divided into twins upon request.

The third bedroom has twin beds.

Any request to change a double bed into twin beds, or twin beds into a double, must be made at least 7 days before arrival.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Marchesa Olympia is located across the 3rd and 4th floors. There are a few steps from the main palazzo entrance, followed by access to the 3rd floor via stairs or lift. The apartment's internal cantilevered spiral staircase connects the 3rd and 4th floors.

Smoking is not permitted.

Parties and events are not permitted.

Pets are not permitted.

Marchesa Olympia offers an elegant and distinctive Florence experience, combining the atmosphere of a historic palazzo with sophisticated contemporary interiors and exceptional rooftop views. With three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a spacious open-plan living area, a dramatic architectural staircase, and a privileged Santa Croce location close to the Uffizi, Duomo, Piazza Santa Croce, and the Arno, it provides a refined base from which to experience the heart of Florence.