Postcards from... Booklet 2022

Villa Cora is, quite simply, magnificent. Built in the 1870s by Baron Oppenheimer for his wife, this ravishing palace sits atop a hill overlooking the Boboli Gardens and epitomises the grandeur and opulence of the baroque style. Whether you’re sipping a chilled cocktail on the stunning rooftop terrace with its panoramic views over Florence, or enjoying the manicured gardens that surround the hotel, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable stay. The only hotel in central Florence to offer such a facility, Villa Cora boasts a large outdoor pool in the park, allowing guests the unique opportunity to soak up the Tuscan sun while being in the heart of the city. The Pick of Florence Hotels Highly recommended luxury hotels both in the centre and out of town Near Boboli Gardens, Oltrano, Florence Ravishing palace Brunelleschi Hotel occupies an enviable position right in the heart of the medieval quarter of the city. Just steps away from the Duomo, what was once a medieval church with a circular Byzantine tower is now a sumptuous boutique hotel that has its own small museum showcasing the building's history. Tucked away in a beautiful private courtyard, Brunelleschi Hotel offers guests the unique experience of feeling pampered in a serene and secluded retreat, while having the architectural and cultural delights of Florence right on their doorstep. Dinner at the in-house Michelin-starred restaurant is highly recommended. Hotel Brunelleschi Villa Cora Tuscan Treats When it’s time to take a break from the art and architecture here are some suggestions for a bit of Florentine hospitality and a glass or three of sparkling prosecco or a hearty Chianti. Piazza Santa Elisabetta, Florence Baroque splendour meets the 21st century Florence's compact size means everything is very close, with most of the main sights lying within walking distance of one another. This is because the city sits in a relatively narrow river basin with hills on each side restricting the spread. A series of bridges across the Arno link the historic centre with the Oltrarno district. Spending time on ‘the other side’makes a welcome escape from the surging crowds around the usual sights of the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio as well as the Ufizzi and Accademia galleries. Very close to the southern end of the Ponte Vecchio you will discover the grandiose Pitti Palace, which houses many important art collections. Just behind, you will also discover he Boboli Gardens, one of the city’s largest parks, where you can wander among centuries-old oak trees, sculptures and fountains. The more you stray away from the river the more you will discover the artisan soul of the city since it has become the area to which many of these very specialised industries relocated as curio shops began to dominate the northern bank. The whole area around the Piazza di Santo Spirito still thrums with artisanal traditions like book-binding, handmade jewellery and shoes. And if you want the postcard view onto Florence then you need to climb the hills to Piazzale Michelangelo and the Church of San Miniato al Monte. You could visit Florence at any time of the year, but the best times to evade both the crowds and the heat are late spring (March to June) and early autumn. (September-October). All in all, this is one of Europe’s most civilised long weekend destinations.