Combining the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside with convenient access to Florence’s historic center, Collegio alla Querce is one of the city’s most notable luxury hotel openings. Set within a meticulously restored 16th-century property, the Auberge Collection retreat pairs heritage architecture, art-filled interiors, exceptional dining, and expansive gardens with the comforts of a contemporary five-star resort.

A Countryside Escape Minutes From the City

As Florence grapples with overtourism, staying outside the busiest parts of its historic center has become an increasingly attractive option. Opened in March 2025, Collegio alla Querce offers a compelling alternative, providing a peaceful hillside setting surrounded by greenery while remaining approximately 20 minutes by car from the city center.

The sprawling property occupies an imposing five-level building surrounded by steeply terraced gardens. Bay hedges, young cypress trees, and beds of geraniums frame the grounds, while carefully landscaped pathways lead guests through the grounds and toward the hotel’s outdoor spaces.

The highlight is the 35-meter swimming pool on the upper terrace, described as the largest in Florence. From here, the views extend south across the city skyline, including Brunelleschi’s celebrated dome, and north toward the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside.

Inside, the atmosphere is equally inviting. Interior design studio ArchFlorence has transformed the public spaces into warm, elegant environments filled with natural light, original artwork, oriental rugs, antiques, decorative objects, and carefully curated books. A palette of earthy greens, terracotta, blue, and cream reflects the surrounding landscape, while custom-designed furniture lends the interiors a distinctive identity.

Rather than feeling like an oversized luxury hotel, the property has the character of a sophisticated private residence.

One particularly appealing space is the Conservatory, created by enclosing what was once an open courtyard on the lower floor. Furnished with comfortable sofas, artworks, oversized terracotta pots containing oak trees, and shelves of art books, it offers a peaceful setting for reading, afternoon tea, or simply enjoying a rainy day indoors.

A Historic School Reimagined

Collegio alla Querce’s story begins in the 1500s, when the building served as a farmhouse before becoming a noble residence. By the mid-19th century, it had been converted into an elite boys’ boarding school run by the Barnabite fathers.

The school’s history remains visible throughout the hotel. La Gamella, the main restaurant, occupies the former refectory, recognizable by its long vaulted ceiling and impressive arched windows. Bertelli Bar, meanwhile, was once the headmaster’s study. Portraits of distinguished former students hang on the walls, while glass display cases contain curiosities from the school’s past, including a chemistry set, leather football boots, and preserved beetles.

The institution continued operating until the late 1990s. After the school closed, the building fell into disrepair and was eventually occupied by squatters, leaving a substantial restoration challenge.

In 2017, South African hotelier Analjit Singh, founder and chief executive of the Leeu Collection, acquired the hillside property and began its transformation. Following an extensive renovation, the hotel opened in March 2025 under the management of the U.S.-based Auberge Collection, marking the group’s first Italian property.

The result preserves the building’s historical character while introducing the contemporary comforts and design details expected of a modern luxury retreat.

Rooms and Suites With Residential Charm

The hotel features 83 rooms and suites spread across four floors. Each accommodation has its own personality, but all share a cohesive design aesthetic built around natural colors, bespoke furnishings, and carefully selected decorative pieces.

Earthy tones provide the foundation, accented by touches of coral and deep burgundy. Paintings, sculptures, and beautiful books give the rooms a collected, residential feel, while five suites retain original frescoes that connect guests directly to the building’s history.

Thoughtful details elevate the experience. Arrivals are welcomed with homemade cake and a complimentary half-bottle of Franciacorta sparkling wine. Rooms also feature wine refrigerators, garment steamers, and sticky rollers for removing lint from clothing.

The beds are dressed in luxurious Rivolta Carmignani linens, and even the entry-level rooms include lounge areas. At the upper end, spacious suites offer generous terraces and sweeping views across Florence, with some large enough to accommodate extended families.

The accommodations strike a balance between understated elegance and practical comfort, making them suitable for both short city breaks and longer stays.

Tuscan Flavors at La Gamella

Dining is centered on La Gamella, a restaurant named after an old Tuscan term for a lunchbox. Located on the ground floor in the former school refectory, it looks onto the gardens through large arched windows. A terrace extending along the vaulted dining room provides an appealing outdoor setting during warmer months.

Chef Nicola Zamperetti brings a fine-dining background to the kitchen, but his approach here is rooted in traditional Tuscan cooking. Rather than relying on elaborate presentation, the menus emphasize seasonal ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Meat and fish receive equal attention, alongside a selection of vegetable dishes. A sample spring menu might feature sea bream carpaccio with citrus, beef tartare with black truffle, spinach-stuffed capellacci in butter sauce, and oven-roasted turbot accompanied by zucchini alla scapece and salsa verde.

The restaurant also makes its bread and focaccia in-house, serving them with a selection of regional olive oils that highlight the flavors of Tuscany.

For a more relaxed meal, Il Bosco occupies a shaded position beneath olive trees on the pool terrace. Its seasonal offerings include wood-fired pizza, pasta, grilled fish, salads, and other light dishes ideal for leisurely summer lunches.

From Thursday through Saturday evenings, guests can also join a communal dining table, creating an opportunity to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a more social dining experience.

Aelia Spa and Wellness Facilities

Located on the ground floor of the building’s 1930s extension, Aelia spa focuses on restorative treatments and relaxing massages. Its treatments incorporate Furtuna Skin products formulated with organic olive oil from Sicily.

Facilities include several treatment rooms, including one designed for couples, as well as a sauna, whirlpool tub, and Turkish bath.

The wellness offering extends beyond the spa itself. An impressive gym and yoga studio are housed in the main building, with the studio’s frescoed ceiling adding a historic touch to exercise sessions. Guests can also arrange yoga and Pilates classes as part of the hotel’s activities.

Together, these amenities make it easy to combine sightseeing with a slower, more restorative stay.

Exploring Le Cure and Fiesole

Collegio alla Querce sits above Le Cure, a quiet, predominantly residential neighborhood that offers a distinctly local perspective on Florence. Far removed from the busiest tourist corridors, the area is home to a lively daily market and a more relaxed everyday rhythm.

For an excursion beyond the city, the picturesque village of Fiesole is approximately 10 minutes away by taxi. Its Roman amphitheater and archaeological museum offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient past, while its elevated position provides another opportunity to appreciate the Tuscan landscape.

Guests can also venture into Florence for museums, galleries, shopping, and the city’s renowned architectural landmarks before returning to the hotel’s peaceful hillside setting. A complimentary shuttle connects the property with Piazza Santissima Annunziata, making city visits more convenient.

Personalized Service and Family-Friendly Experiences

Despite its substantial grounds and facilities, Collegio alla Querce aims to deliver an attentive, personal style of hospitality. More than 200 staff members serve its 83 rooms, and the team is known for being friendly, approachable, and eager to help without compromising professionalism.

The hotel offers a range of activities designed to enrich the stay. Guests can take pasta- and pizza-making classes with the chef or join cocktail-making sessions with the resident mixologist at Bertelli Bar. Yoga and Pilates sessions provide additional opportunities to unwind.

Families are particularly well catered for. The terraced gardens and large swimming pool give children plenty of room to play, while welcome packs help younger guests feel at home. The hotel can also organize family activities, including pizza-making lessons and treasure hunts around Florence.

Accessibility has also been considered, with wide elevators serving all floors and a selection of accessible bedrooms.

An Unexpected Connection to Italian Fashion

The property’s former life as a prestigious boys’ school produced some notable alumni. Among its former students, known as Querciolini, are Stefano Ricci, the luxury menswear designer, and Salvatore Ferragamo, the celebrated Italian shoemaker.

Their connection adds another layer to a property that brings together architecture, history, art, and contemporary luxury.

The Verdict

Collegio alla Querce makes a strong case for experiencing Florence from a different perspective. Its hillside location provides a welcome escape from the crowds, while the city’s historic center remains within easy reach. The restored school building gives the hotel a sense of place, and its art-filled interiors, spacious rooms, Tuscan-inspired dining, extensive gardens, and wellness facilities encourage guests to spend as much time at the property as they do exploring the surrounding region.

It is particularly well suited to travelers who value space and tranquility without wanting to sacrifice access to Florence’s cultural attractions. Couples can enjoy the romantic countryside views, families benefit from the generous grounds and dedicated activities, and design-minded guests will appreciate the careful balance of historic details and contemporary interiors.

For those seeking a five-star Tuscan retreat that combines the best of city and countryside, Collegio alla Querce is a compelling choice.

Hotel Details

• Property: Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection
• Address: Via dei Forbici 21b, Florence, Tuscany 50133, Italy
• Rooms: 83
• Opened: March 2025
• Dining: La Gamella and Il Bosco
• Wellness: Aelia spa, gym, yoga studio, sauna, whirlpool, and Turkish bath
• Highlights: 35-meter swimming pool, terraced gardens, historic architecture, original frescoes, and panoramic Florence views
• Best for: Couples, families, luxury travelers, and visitors seeking a quieter base near Florence
• Website: https://auberge.com/collegio-alla-querce/