Apartment

DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN

Photo gallery for DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN

Property grounds
Exterior detail
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Property grounds

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 226 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
Firenze, Città Metropolitana di Firenze
  • Place, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Uffizi Gallery
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Ponte Vecchio
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Florence (FLR-Peretola)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Garden

About this property

DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN

"The Sphinx of the Secret Garden", ground floor studio apartment with private access to the internal garden and the Renaissance portico.
It is located in a monumental Renaissance palace surmounted by a high medieval tower, along one of the oldest and most lively streets of Florence, in the heart of the city.
Ideal for 1-2 people: double bed; equipped kitchenette; white Carrara marble bathroom with shower; air conditioning; Wifi.
Table and chairs on the porch allow guests to sit and live outdoors, in every season: drink a glass of wine, eat, work or relax in complete tranquility, leaving out the lively away ....... a a few meters from the crowd a sudden oasis of peace !!
The center of the garden is occupied by a large Art Nouveau sculpture: "The Sphinx and the Lying Maiden"

If you wish to book another apartment in the TOWER:

THE DONATI TOWER’S LOGGIA - with panoramic LOGGIA, 5th floor w/lift, 1 bedroom + 1 sofa bed for 2/3 people, AC, wi-fi - https://www.vrbo.com/10825778ha

THE DONATI TOWER'S TERRACE - with large panoramic TERRACE, 5th floor w/lift, 2 bedrooms, for 4 people, AC, wi-fi - https://www.vrbo.com/11205906ha

SANTA CROCE in the DONATI TOWER - with spaciouos panoramic BALCONY, 4th floor w/lift - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 persons - https://www.vrbo.com/10569688ha



THE PALACE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

The ancient 13th-century tower belonged to the powerful Donati family. When the fortune of the Donati waned, the tower was incorporated in the second half of the sixteenth century into the Palazzo degli Albizi, a family of Florentine merchants and bankers who competed for a long time with the Medici for city supremacy. From the Albizi the palace passed in the 18th century to the Tassinari family and finally in 1929 to the family of the current owners.
The apartments located in a very central and ancient street, as well as the entire Palace and the Tower, are of great historical interest and bound by the Superintendence of artistic and cultural heritage of the Ministry of Culture. It is therefore the ideal place to dive in the history and beauty of the golden age of Florence.
The Donati Tower Apartments are located in an ideal position to reach on foot the most important sights and museums of Florence: among others, the Basilica of Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello Museum, the Duomo with Giotto's Bell Tower, the Medici Chapels in San Lorenzo, the Accademia Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, as well as Palazzo Pitti, the church of Santo Spirito and the Boboli Gardens across the River Arno.
Being the owner a librarian by profession, he is of course obliged to suggest a visit or two to the nearby municipal library of the Oblate, in via dell'Oriolo, achieved in a spectacular architectural environment, with a large terrace and bar practically under the Brunelleschi’s Dome of the Duomo: internet, reading rooms, international magazines, children's room…
Bakery, greengrocer, butcher, newsagent, supermarket and pharmacy are a short step from the apartment, as well as the typical market of Sant'Ambrogio where to find all the Tuscan food specialties, and taverns and restaurants, with great traditional Tuscan cuisine.
And eventually shopping in the boutiques of the most famous Italian and foreign designers on the nearby via Calzaiuoli, via Roma, via Tornabuoni, via della Vigna Nuova.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number IT048017C27OFJN28N

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

About the area

Florence

Located in Historic Centre of Florence, a neighbourhood in Florence, this apartment is next to a golf course and on a river. Uffizi Gallery and Gallery of the Academy of Florence are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Ponte Vecchio. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nelson Mandela Forum or Coverciano. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby power boating, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours, mountain biking and hiking.
Map
Firenze, Città Metropolitana di Firenze

What's nearby

  • Piazza del Duomo - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Piazza della Signoria - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Uffizi Gallery - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Ponte Vecchio - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • San Marco University Tram Stop - 13 min walk
  • Florence (ZMS-Santa Maria Novella Train Station) - 16 min walk
  • Peretola Airport (FLR) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Reverse - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Natalino Ristorante - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪I Ghibellini - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪La Loggia Degli Albizi - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Cinto Cucina In Torre - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN located?

Located in Historic Centre of Florence, this golf apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Teatro Verdi, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and Uffizi Gallery. Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria are also within 10 minutes. San Marco University Tram Stop is 13 minutes by foot and Unità Tram Stop is 14 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 119 out of 134 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 134 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 134 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 134 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 134 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lon R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The room was very centralized in the city, very close walking distance to many of the historical sites and shopping. A slight problem at first but the host took care of it immediately for a wonderful stay. Highly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Outstanding location, excellent hosts with lots of great suggestions on local restaurants and getting around. The exclusive access garden is a pleasant add on to the studio. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun in Florence

Quaint small apartment, excellent hosts,and location to get around Florence A few suggested additions would be a wardrobe closet to hang some clothes, jackets, and put away some clothing so not living out of suitcase A coffee station would be nice to have to enjoy the patio since we are not tea drinkersAnd 2 small end tables would be nice Overall great stay
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Florentine Stay❤️

Lovely private garden! Perfect Place for a Perfect Florentine Stay!❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

dawn e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Room with a view

This sweet little place is as charming as the photo. It’s small but perfect location and just enough for a vacation getaway. Beautiful view of the courtyard is an added plus
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pefect Place

We absolutely loved the apartment, just as advertised. Anthony met us at the door was there to help us with the luggage and patiently showed us around. I would definitely recommend this place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

DAWN

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location lovely outdoor space. Did not meet the hosts as they were away but had excellent communication.

10/10 Excellent

Dave M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Florence

Thanks Antonella. We had a wonderful stay in the garden apartment. It has been our favorite place so far on our trip. The apartment is absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Location and Property

From the moment of reservation the hosts are wonderful. The location is central to so much we enjoyed. This studio is private and feels wonderfully secluded in the heart of the city.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Snezana A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property

We were very pleased to stay in this beautiful studio with private garden that is centrally located. Our hosts were very helpful and gave us nice tips. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve J., Nashville, TN

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

The beautiful courtyard with blooming wisteria was an added plus.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connor W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Florence trip

We highly recommend this property. The property owners were great and helped us identify some of the best places to see and eat. The location is private, yet in the heart of the city. We will be staying here again on future visits!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sara P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Garden oasis

This was the perfect peaceful oasis in the midst of the chaos of Florence! Clean comfortable, and most important was the privacy of having our own little garden! You have been the most gracious hosts and I highly recommend to anyone staying in Florence!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meredith M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secret Garden, Close to Everything

It’s a beautiful garden studio in an amazing old building. The hosts are responsive and knowledgeable. Would stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN was beautiful and even better in person. The host was wonderful and gave us all the information we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice

All excellent
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful accommodations in Florence

Hosts Antonella and Stefano were so gracious and provided a great experience for my 5-day visit to Florence. Their suggestions for museums, restaurants, and neighborhood walks were very helpful. The studio apartment was lovely and very comfortable, and the garden was a relaxing environment to take a break from exploring the city. I hope to stay there again when I visit Florence in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfectly Cozy Medieval Retreat

Our stay at the Duomo Tower Retreat was exactly what we were looking for. It is exactly as pictured with the wonderful private garden that is all yours. The thing that isn’t pictured is the location, location, location! We had been to Florence before for short stays, and wanted to stay longer and just experience Florence like a local. The building is a real Medieval bell tower and we loved It. We were able to walk everywhere! On our arrival, our hosts gave us a listing of all their recommendations of where to eat and what to see and they were all excellent. The little cafe just a few steps away had delicious breakfasts and lunches. Don’t miss the walk up to the Monastery of San Miniato to see an amazing view of Florence. Definitely have dinner at Osteria Caffe Italiano.
A quite lunch with a bottle of Prosecco from our hosts
On the walk to San Miniato
Spaghetti Carbonara with white Truffle Sauce and butter.  The best pasta dish I ever had. Osteria Caffe Italiano
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Camilla b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

This is the place to stay in Florence. With its spectacular and quiet garden and historical significance in the heart of the city. The loveliest owners. We couldn’t recommend it more :))
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Spot

Adorable quiet oasis with private courtyard in a thriving little neighborhood in the middle of Florence. Loved the atmosphere and proximity to the major sites. Gelato was yummy as well as restaurants outside your door.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Therese Holm T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very central and nice place

We really enjoyed our stay in this studio with the lovely garden. The host was very nice and provided good suggestion for places to visit and eat. Highly recommend place to stay in Firenze. Regards, Therese&Marius
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tanya M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delightful Apartment in Charming Neighborhood

We were greeted at check in with a warm greeting and orientation to the area. The apartment has an amazing private courtyard and patio set where we spent a lot of time with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. The apartment is compact and tastefully decorated with many thoughtful touches. The location is nestled in a wonderful neighborhood where we got to know the cafe staff. It is also close to and within walking distance to all of the popular sites. It was a magical stay and would highly recommend staying there.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Position excellent courtyard tranquil

Close to the features that make Florence the place you want to see , within easy reach of cafe’s restaurants. To sit in the courtyard/ garden at night after your day, gives you a perfect place to plan your next day while enjoying the tranquility that this garden creates.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bertie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay!

The garden was picturesque. Great location. Out of the way of the city center but close enough to easily walk. There was a quaint square close to the room with great restaurants and fruit market. Hosts were extremely accommodating. They also provided many special touches and non-touristic reccomendations. Loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dominick P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Florence museum hopping and duning

Terrific location and wonderful host - Stefan was so helpful from beginning to end and a bountiful source of information. He was above and beyond in securing us a cab ride to airport tram accompanied us - in the rain - to pick up spot Highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Antonella

Host profile image

Languages:

English, French, Italian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests