Tucked into the hills just beyond the city’s medieval walls, a stay at Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection is your chance to see Florence through a new lens—serene, storied, and spectacularly stylish.
…meticulously transformed into an eighty-three-room retreat that feels more like a grand Florentine villa than a hotel.
With sweeping views of the Duomo and the Tuscan countryside, this reimagined 16th-century cultural institution marries Florentine history with Auberge Resort Collection’s signature brand of refined hospitality. Once a boarding school, the property’s original chapel, theater, and academic buildings have been meticulously transformed into an eighty-three-room retreat that feels more like a grand Florentine villa than a hotel. Art-filled interiors, manicured gardens, and a design ethos that honors both past and present set the tone for an immersive experience unlike any other in the city.
Getting There
Just fifteen minutes from Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci International Airport and the Santa Maria Novella train station, Collegio alla Querce offers a seamless gateway to Tuscany. The property is perched on a cypress-lined hill in Florence’s peaceful northern neighborhood, setting it apart from the bustle of Centro Storico yet only a short drive—or scenic 40-minute walk—from the city’s historic heart. Here, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: panoramic vistas of the Duomo and red-tiled rooftops, alongside tranquil garden terraces and quick access to Chianti’s famed countryside. Whether you’re arriving from abroad or by regional rail, your journey ends at the wrought iron gates of a former Florentine icon, now reborn as one of the city’s most coveted luxury hideaway.
The Story Behind Collegio alla Querce
The property is a haven for aesthetes and epicureans, where guests dine in a glass-enclosed garden room, sip cocktails in the former principal’s office turned bar, and lounge poolside under the Tuscan sun.
Named “The world’s most sensational new hotel” by The World’s 50 Best, Collegio alla Querce is the embodiment of Auberge’s commitment to place-making and thoughtful design. Spread across three Renaissance-era buildings, the eighty-three accommodations include thirty-four suites and the stunning Residenza la Quercia, a spacious private residence within Palazzo Moderno. The property is a haven for aesthetes and epicureans, where guests dine in a glass-enclosed garden room, sip cocktails in the former principal’s office turned bar, and lounge poolside under the Tuscan sun.
On-site amenities include two distinct restaurants, a cigar and cocktail lounge, expansive gardens, and a spa poised to become a destination in itself. The transformation of the property was led by owner Analjit Singh, whose vision of an elegant country house within Florence pays homage to its academic roots while celebrating a new era of laid-back luxury. From curated art pieces to the restoration of historic architectural elements, every detail here is infused with reverence, romance, and a sense of discovery.
Experiential Florentine Highlights
What sets Collegio alla Querce apart isn’t just its storied setting—it’s the rare access it affords to a deeper, more sensory experience of Florence and the Tuscan region. The team on property liaises with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to be your personal cultural concierge, crafting unforgettable moments both within property’s grounds and far beyond. We’re rounding up some ways you can dig into the cultural and culinary offerings of the region.
- Start your day with a chef-led cooking class, followed by a private tasting in Chianti’s rolling vineyards.
- Seek out white truffles in the surrounding woods—yes, even beyond autumn—and return for a wine-paired feast in the hotel’s intimate dining salon.
- Visit legendary butcher Dario Cecchini for an unforgettable carnivorous pilgrimage or explore Florence’s fashion heritage with private shopping experiences in atelier showrooms.
- Discover Casa Profumo, where Florence’s centuries-old perfume alchemy lives on.
- Bespoke art tours offer exclusive after-hours access to institutions like the Accademia Gallery.
- Those with a need for speed can indulge in a Ferrari driving experience through the scenic Tuscan hills.
- Attend an on-site secret dinner theater with performances by Florence’s emerging talents
Art and music take center stage here. At every turn, the property’s immersive programming—developed in collaboration with artists, artisans, and tastemakers—reawakens the Renaissance spirit through a modern lens.
Who’s Collegio For?
Collegio alla Querce is tailor-made for a sophisticated set of travelers seeking more than a checklist-style trip. It appeals to couples embarking on a romantic escape or beginning a longer Tuscan itinerary, families wanting the cultural vibrancy of Florence with the calming comforts of space and greenery, and repeat visitors looking to dig deeper into the city’s creative and culinary scenes.
Whether your idea of a perfect day includes Renaissance art and Michelin-starred meals or poolside Aperol spritzes and sunset views, this is a place that adapts to your rhythm.
Honeymooners will fall in love with the garden suites and secluded terraces, while multigenerational travelers appreciate the balance of city proximity and countryside calm. The property’s setting just outside Centro Storico makes it ideal for those visiting in peak season who want easy access without the chaos. Whether your idea of a perfect day includes Renaissance art and Michelin-starred meals or poolside Aperol spritzes and sunset views, this is a place that adapts to your rhythm.
As one recent guest put it: “You can dive into the city for a morning of culture, and retreat when the crowds—or the toddler—become too much to handle.” That, in essence, is the luxury of choice—and the magic of Collegio alla Querce.
