Luxury hotels, in certain cases become the best medium to showcase the history and the culture of a country. Il Salviatino in Florence is one such hotel and its Affresco Suite, an aristocratic palazzo is the very essence of the hotel. The suite has been restored from the ravages of time by Marcello Pigozzo. The new luxury hotel brand has a very contemporary approach to hospitality and yet is able to fuse historic buildings and Italian culture with it. The hotel could be called a city resort with its 11 acres of grounds, a spa, an infinity pool, and a mesmerizing view of the Duomo from the terrace. Its location on the slopes just outside Florence’s historic centre gives it access to the best of both worlds.
The Villa was Built in the 15th Century
The building of the hotel is historical itself. Built by the Salviati family in 15th century it was expanded significantly in the 1600s. The family was growing rich through their wool trade. The crenellated tower on top of the villa was built in 1871 by Pietro Pagliano. Il Salviatino changed hands in 1882 and an American Phelps Thomas bought the property from the family. He changed the look and the shape of the property significantly by incorporating central staircase, cinquecento-style portals, and the terraced garden. Standford University had taken up the property and used it for their overseas program in the 1970s. After they left the villa remained vacant for almost 20 years.
Marcello Pigozzo Renovated it to its Current Shape
It was then that Marcello Pigozzo got in the picture and if you go through the old pictures of the property you will realize what a wonderful job Pigozzo has done in staging a renaissance here. The Affresco Suite Room was basically a discovery made by the renovators. They found the frescoed, groin-vaulted space with frescoes dating from the 17th century when they tore down a ceiling to accommodate the elevator. Tucked away in the Tuscan hills, this 15th century villa offers inspirational views overlooking Florence and the rolling countryside. You couldn’t possibly ask for a better hideaway. If you are looking for a romantic weekend away you need not look any further.
