Collegio alla Querce: Florence’s New Luxury Retreat Blends Tuscan Charm With City Sophistication

Dora Fagan

Courtesy Collegio alla Querce

Set among the rolling hills above Florence, this five-star hotel offers elegant rooms, exceptional dining, a tranquil spa, and sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside—all within easy reach of the city center.

Florence is celebrated for its Renaissance architecture, world-class art, and historic streets, but the crowds can make finding a peaceful retreat a challenge. Enter Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection, a luxury hotel that offers a different way to experience the Tuscan capital: surrounded by greenery, with the city’s iconic skyline still within easy reach.

Opened in March 2025, the property occupies a historic hillside estate in the Le Cure neighborhood, approximately a 20-minute drive from Florence’s center. Its combination of countryside serenity and urban convenience has quickly established it as one of the city’s notable luxury hotel openings.

A Hillside Estate With Breathtaking Views

Collegio alla Querce occupies an expansive five-level building surrounded by terraced gardens, clipped hedges, young cypress trees, and landscaped flower beds. At the highest terrace, a 35-meter swimming pool provides a striking vantage point over Florence, including Brunelleschi’s famous cathedral dome, and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Inside, the atmosphere is refined but welcoming. Natural light fills the generous public spaces, while earthy shades of green, terracotta, blue, and cream reflect the landscape outside. Bespoke furniture sits alongside antiques, oriental rugs, artwork, unusual decorative objects, and carefully selected books.

One of the hotel’s standout spaces is the Conservatory, created by enclosing what was once an open courtyard. With inviting sofas, large terracotta pots, and art-filled surroundings, it offers a peaceful place to read, enjoy tea, or spend a rainy afternoon away from Florence’s busy streets.

From Historic Residence to Luxury Hotel

The building dates to the 16th century, when it began as a farmhouse before becoming a noble residence. In the mid-19th century, it was transformed into an elite boys’ boarding school operated by the Barnabite fathers.

That educational history remains visible throughout the property. La Gamella, the main restaurant, occupies the former school refectory, while Bertelli Bar was once the headmaster’s study. Memorabilia, portraits, and unusual displays—including preserved beetles and old sporting equipment—offer reminders of the building’s past.

South African hotelier Analjit Singh, founder and chief executive of the Leeu Collection, purchased the estate in 2017. After years of careful restoration, the hotel reopened in March 2025 under the management of Auberge Collection, marking the hospitality group’s first property in Italy.

The renovation has preserved the building’s historical character while introducing the comforts and amenities expected of a contemporary five-star retreat.

Rooms Designed for Comfort and Character

The hotel has 83 rooms and suites spread across four floors. Each accommodation has its own character, but the overall design follows a consistent palette of earthy tones accented by coral and deep burgundy.

Paintings, sculptures, carefully chosen books, and custom furnishings give the rooms a residential feel. Five suites retain original frescoes, adding another layer of historical detail.

Comfort extends to thoughtful touches such as homemade cake and a complimentary half-bottle of Franciacorta sparkling wine on arrival, wine fridges, garment steamers, and lint rollers. Beds are dressed in premium Rivolta Carmignani linens, while even entry-level rooms offer lounge areas.

The larger suites provide additional space for families and groups, with generous terraces and expansive views across the city.

Tuscan Flavors at La Gamella

Dining is central to the experience at Collegio alla Querce. The main restaurant, La Gamella—named after an old Tuscan word for a lunchbox—is housed in the former school refectory. Its vaulted ceiling, arched windows, and garden-facing terrace create an atmospheric setting for meals.

Chef Nicola Zamperetti draws on traditional Tuscan cooking, allowing seasonal ingredients to take center stage rather than relying on unnecessary embellishments. The menu gives equal attention to meat and fish, with vegetable dishes also available.

Dishes featured during a spring dinner included citrusy sea bream carpaccio, beef tartare with black truffle, spinach-filled capellacci in butter sauce, and oven-roasted turbot accompanied by zucchini prepared alla scapece and salsa verde.

Bread and focaccia are made in-house and served with a selection of regional olive oils, offering a simple but memorable introduction to the flavors of Tuscany.

For a more relaxed meal, Il Bosco sits beneath olive trees beside the pool. Its seasonal menu includes wood-fired pizza, pasta, grilled fish, and salads. From Thursday through Saturday evenings, guests can also join a communal dining table designed to encourage conversation and shared experiences.

A Spa Dedicated to Relaxation

The Aelia Spa provides a restorative counterpoint to days spent exploring Florence. Located in the hotel’s 1930s extension, the wellness area offers massages and rejuvenating treatments using Furtuna Skin products formulated with organic Sicilian olive oil.

Facilities include treatment rooms, a couples’ treatment room, a sauna, a whirlpool tub, and a Turkish bath. Elsewhere in the main building, guests can use an impressive gym and a yoga studio beneath a frescoed ceiling.

The hotel also offers movement and fitness experiences, including Pilates and yoga, making it easy to incorporate wellness into a city break.

Exploring Florence Beyond the Crowds

Collegio alla Querce sits above Le Cure, a largely residential neighborhood that offers a quieter view of everyday Florentine life. The area has a lively daily market and fewer tourist crowds than the historic center.

A short taxi ride uphill leads to Fiesole, a charming hilltop town known for its Roman amphitheater and archaeological museum. Its elevated position also makes it an appealing destination for travelers interested in history and panoramic scenery.

The hotel’s location makes it possible to spend the day visiting Florence’s museums, churches, and historic landmarks before returning to a more peaceful setting in the evening.

A complimentary shuttle service connects the property with Piazza Santissima Annunziata, providing another convenient option for reaching the city.

Thoughtful Service and Experiences for Families

The hotel’s team is notably attentive, with more than 200 staff members serving its 83 rooms. The service is friendly and conversational while maintaining the professionalism expected of a luxury property.

Guests can arrange pasta- and pizza-making classes with the chef or cocktail sessions with the resident mixologist at Bertelli Bar. These experiences provide a more interactive way to connect with Italian food and drink traditions.

Families are also well catered for. The gardens and swimming pool offer room for children to play, while welcome packs and activities such as pizza-making classes and treasure hunts around Florence can be arranged.

The property is fully accessible, with wide lifts serving all floors and a number of accessible bedrooms.

The Verdict

Collegio alla Querce offers a compelling alternative to staying directly in Florence’s busiest historic districts. Its expansive gardens, impressive pool, character-filled rooms, and thoughtful dining program make it a destination in its own right, while its location keeps the city’s cultural attractions within convenient reach.

The hotel’s appeal lies in its balance: the atmosphere of a Tuscan country estate paired with the services of a modern luxury hotel. Whether the plan is to explore Florence’s artistic heritage, enjoy long meals built around regional ingredients, or simply spend an afternoon beside the pool, the property provides a sophisticated base for experiencing the best of Tuscany.

For travelers seeking a quieter side of Florence without sacrificing access to the city, Collegio alla Querce makes a strong case for staying just beyond the crowds.