Cavalier Paolo is a beautifully restored two-bedroom apartment within Dimora degli Affreschi, an impressive 19th-century Florentine palazzo situated in the lively Santa Croce district near the banks of the Arno. Combining the historic character of Palazzo Fossi with a contemporary Florentine aesthetic, this elegant apartment offers a sophisticated city-centre base surrounded by some of Florence’s most celebrated art, architecture, cafés and restaurants.

The palazzo has been sensitively reconfigured over three years by a team of specialists, with the historic fabric carefully respected throughout. The resulting Dimora degli Affreschi collection comprises ten individually designed apartments, each featuring bespoke interiors curated by ArchFlorence.

Cavalier Paolo sleeps up to four guests and occupies the second floor. The apartment is accessible by stairs and/or lift after a few steps from the main palazzo entrance.

THE LIVING SPACE

An entrance hallway with a mirrored cloak cupboard leads into the apartment's elegant open-plan living area.

Situated towards the front of the palazzo, this bright and welcoming space is finished in calm neutral and terracotta tones and features gorgeous wooden chequerboard parquet flooring.

Three tall west-facing windows with shutters flood the room with natural light while overlooking the palazzo's decorative balcony and Via dei Benci beyond.

The sitting area provides plenty of comfortable seating for relaxing after a day exploring Florence. Nearby, the dining area features stylish ghost chairs around a hexagonal table with seating for six.

A streamlined, well-equipped kitchen with integrated appliances completes the open-plan living space, making it convenient for preparing meals and refreshments during your stay.

The true showpiece overhead is the magnificent frescoed ceiling, bringing an extraordinary piece of Florentine character into the heart of this contemporary living space.

THE PRINCIPAL BEDROOM

The bright and inviting principal bedroom is exquisitely decorated in elegant mushroom and buttermilk tones, allowing the spectacular colours and details of its frescoed ceiling to take centre stage.

A comfortable double bed features tailored upholstery and an antiqued mirror-panelled surround, while plentiful storage provides ample room for guests travelling with an extensive wardrobe.

The bedroom is complemented by a separate luxurious marble bathroom with soft lighting and a large rain shower enclosed in mocha herringbone ceramic tiling.

SECOND BEDROOM

The equally stylish second double bedroom is decorated in ivory and slate green, with another breathtaking ceiling fresco immediately drawing the eye.

The room features a comfortable double bed and plentiful storage. The bed can also be divided into twin beds upon request, providing flexible sleeping arrangements for different types of guests.

A sparkling en-suite marble bathroom completes the room and features its own rain shower.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

Cavalier Paolo accommodates up to four guests across two bedrooms.

• Principal bedroom with double bed and separate marble bathroom with rain shower
• Second bedroom with double bed, convertible to twins upon request, and en-suite marble bathroom with rain shower

THE PALAZZO & AMENITIES

Guests staying at Dimora degli Affreschi have access to a gym area on the ground floor. The space includes a mirrored wall, two stationary bikes — one classic and one elliptical — as well as weights and exercise mats.

The apartment also features air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, together with custom-made fixtures and carefully curated interiors characteristic of the Dimora Italia Collection.

THE SANTA CROCE LOCATION

Cavalier Paolo is centrally positioned on Via dei Benci in the thriving Santa Croce district, close to the Horne Museum and within easy reach of the Uffizi Gallery.

The surrounding streets are filled with artisans, markets, cafés, bars and restaurants, offering plenty of opportunities to experience Florence beyond its major landmarks. La Buchetta is directly opposite the palazzo, while the rustic Del Fagioli is just around the corner.

A Conad supermarket nearby makes self-catering convenient, and a nearby car park provides an option for guests arriving by car.

Florence's iconic Duomo is within walking distance, as are the Basilica of Santa Croce and the sunny Piazza Santa Croce. Piazza della Signoria, with its remarkable collection of statues and lively atmosphere, is also close by.

For those wishing to explore across the Arno, Ponte alle Grazie is only a short stroll away. Crossing the bridge leads towards the magnificent Pitti Palace, the peaceful Boboli Gardens and the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

The location therefore places guests within easy reach of Florence's artistic and architectural treasures while retaining the lively, authentic atmosphere of Santa Croce.

LARGER GROUPS

For larger parties wishing to stay together while retaining the privacy of individual apartments, nine other deluxe apartments are available within Dimora degli Affreschi:

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

Together, the collection provides a flexible option for groups travelling to Florence together.

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.

With its frescoed ceilings, elegant contemporary interiors, two beautifully appointed bedrooms and central Santa Croce setting, Cavalier Paolo offers a refined Florentine stay within a historic palazzo. It combines the atmosphere of Renaissance Florence with the comfort and style of a carefully restored modern residence, placing guests within easy reach of the city's celebrated landmarks, galleries, restaurants and the Arno.