Florence is a city that never fails to enchant, but its beauty is often clouded by overwhelming crowds. Collegio alla Querce offers an escape, perched on a hillside with uninterrupted views of the Tuscan capital and the rolling countryside beyond. Once an 18th-century school, it has been reimagined by Auberge Resorts Collection into a sanctuary of elegance, history, and indulgence.
A Hidden Refuge Above Florence
Florence has long seduced travellers with its art, architecture, and timeless Tuscan charm. But with every passing year, its cobbled streets grow more crowded, its piazzas echo with tour groups, and its museums overflow with visitors chasing masterpieces. For those who crave the city’s beauty without the chaos, the answer lies just beyond the bustle at a historic hilltop sanctuary that has been reborn as one of Europe’s most captivating luxury retreats.
A Storied Past, A Modern Revival
Welcome to Collegio alla Querce, a former boarding school dating back to the 18th century, now transformed by Auberge Resorts Collection into an opulent 83-room hideaway. Elevated above Florence’s UNESCO-listed heart, the property offers sweeping views that marry the city’s iconic skyline, including the unmistakable dome of the Duomo, with the rolling Tuscan hills beyond.
The building’s past is as rich as its present. For more than a century, these walls housed a place of learning, shaping generations of Florentines. Today, the structure’s grandeur has been meticulously preserved, while contemporary elegance has been woven seamlessly through its design. The result is a space that feels at once historic and fresh, Florence through the lens of modern luxury.
Suites That Tell a Story
Inside, guests can choose from 49 refined rooms, 28 stylish suites, and six sprawling grand suites. Each is a dialogue between past and present: vaulted ceilings, original stonework, and antique touches sit comfortably alongside sleek Auberge design.
Dining With Character
Culinary indulgence is a central part of the experience. La Gamella, the hotel’s signature restaurant, reinterprets Tuscan flavours with sophistication. At the same time, Bar Bertelli, housed in what was once the headmaster’s office, sets the stage for aperitivi and crafted cocktails in an atmosphere layered with history.
For those seeking restoration beyond the plate, the Aelia Spa, created in partnership with Furtuna Skin, draws on the natural bounty of Tuscany to deliver wellness rituals that soothe both body and spirit.
Timeless Florence Transformed
General Manager Lorenzo Maraviglia describes the vision as nothing less than a celebration of Florence itself: a retreat that distills the essence of the Renaissance city into an experience of design, culture, and service at its most refined.
Collegio alla Querce is not just another hotel; it is a statement. A sanctuary for those who want to experience Florence differently: elevated, serene, and deeply connected to the city’s heritage. As Auberge continues its global expansion with upcoming properties in London and Miami Beach, this debut in Italy feels like the perfect ode to a city that has always set the standard for beauty and brilliance.
For travellers who believe that luxury is not just about comfort but about context, this is Florence at its finest: a Renaissance reborn.
Written By: Lydia Kelly
Published: 26th August 2025