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

Top rated by guests
Property grounds
Interior
Exterior detail
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
review stars
9.7Outstanding
(136 Ratings)
"Loved our time here, very comfortable close to Florence attractions."
Cecil S.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
9.7 / 10
Outstanding(136 Ratings)

Apartment in Florence

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this apartment rental

"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.

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

Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly

Map of Florence


Ratings and reviews

9.7 / 10
Outstanding(136 Ratings)
10 / 10Outstanding·Nov 2025
Loved our time here, very comfortable close to Florence attractions.
10 / 10Outstanding·Oct 2025
While staying here, you get a chance to live in the piece of history that's dating back to medieval times. The property is part of the Donati Tower and they say that the wife of Dante Alligeri was born here. The private garden with the beautiful Sphinx statue was just magical. Central location, close to arrival at the station and the center of it all. The hosts are very nice people and a pleasure to communicate with. They prepared the bottle of champagne as well as fresh fruits from the local market for our arrival. Mrs ruling 10 of 10 stars!
10 / 10Outstanding·Sep 2025
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.
6 / 10Average·Jun 2024
Location is King for this property - you are a 6 to 7 walk to the Duomo, and a 15 to 20 minute walk to anywhere you want to be in Florence. Unit has little storage so is more suitable for short stays. Bed was very firm but comfortable. There is A/C in the unit, but is controlled by the owner, which is regrettable. The only other negative is that it can be noisy at times given the banging from the elevator outside the door going to different floors of the building and some ambient noise coming from above the courtyard outside at night. Overall we enjoyed our stay of 7 nights. Owners were responsive and gave good info on local restaurants and eateries, several of which we tried. Don’t miss La Loggia cafe/bistro for great & inexpensive morning cafe + pastries 100M to the left exiting the unit.

$$$$
vrbo logo

FAQs

Is parking included with this apartment?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this apartment?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this apartment. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

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

Unfortunately, this apartment is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at DUOMO: studio in TOWER in the center of Florence THE SPHINX OF THE SECRET GARDEN?

We found 3 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, no pets allowed, and family friendly.