Apartment Florentius | 3-Bedroom Apartment in District 1

Imagine stepping onto Via dei Benci in Florence’s beating heart, where the scent of espresso drifts from street-level cafés and Renaissance palazzos tower above narrow sidewalks. This is where Apartment Florentius sits—a 3-bedroom apartment rental Florence that occupies the third and fourth storeys of a 19th-century palazzo, offering six guests an unfiltered experience of living like a Florentine rather than visiting as a tourist. The apartment combines period architecture with contemporary comfort in a way that feels neither museum-like nor sterile.

Inside Apartment Florentius

Apartment Florentius sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The layout spans two levels, each with distinct character. Upon arrival, guests enter the ground floor into a marble-floored hallway that immediately signals quality. A guest bathroom sits conveniently near the entrance for arrivals and departures. The main living and dining area occupies the heart of this level—a light-filled space where tall shuttered windows frame the Florentine streetscape below. The furnishings favour warm neutrals and natural textures; a geometric Kilim rug anchors the seating area, while a distinctive hexagonal dining table seats six comfortably for shared meals. Off this room sits the kitchen, equipped for daily cooking: gas hob, oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator capable of handling a week’s worth of local market ingredients.

The dramatic focal point of the ground floor is an architectural statement—a cantilevered steel spiral staircase that ascends to the upper level. This isn’t merely functional; it’s sculptural, drawing the eye upward and creating a sense of spatial drama.

The first floor houses the three bedrooms and a quiet sitting area with rooftop views. Bedroom 1 features a double bed with an adjoining en-suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe for extended stays. Bedroom 2 contains another double bed paired with its own en-suite. Bedroom 3 offers twin beds, ideal for children or guests preferring separate sleeping arrangements, with an en-suite bathroom. Each bedroom features vaulted ceilings supported by exposed wooden beams—original architectural elements that anchor the space in the palazzo’s history. Marble clad the bathrooms throughout; towels are provided and linens are changed regularly during longer stays.

The first-floor sitting area functions as a retreat space, offering panoramic views across Florence’s terracotta roofscape. From this vantage point, the Duomo’s distinctive dome, the crenellated Palazzo Vecchio, and Villa Bardini’s gardens form an ever-changing composition depending on light and season.

Practical amenities include Wi-Fi throughout (reliable for remote work), air conditioning for summer months, efficient heating for winter, a washing machine for longer stays, and satellite TV for entertainment. An elevator services all floors, a significant comfort factor when managing luggage in a historic building.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The apartment does not include private outdoor space; however, the street below functions as a semi-public extension of the neighbourhood. Via dei Benci pulses with life: cafés occupy every available corner, boutiques display artisanal goods, and restaurants from casual trattorias to upscale establishments line the route. The Arno River runs parallel to the street, just 150 metres away, offering riverside walks and bridge crossings that provide natural breathing room and shifting perspectives on the city.

From the upper-floor windows, guests witness Florence’s outdoor rhythm—the changing light on stone facades, the seasonal shifts in cafe seating arrangements, and the foot traffic that marks morning commutes, afternoon passeggiata, and evening social gatherings. This is passive outdoor living: observation and immersion rather than private sunbathing or garden use.

Location: Via dei Benci and the Surrounding Area

Apartment Florentius occupies perhaps the most strategically positioned address in Florence for accessing the city’s cultural core without requiring constant navigation. Via dei Benci runs along the eastern bank of the Arno, placing guests 250 metres from the Ponte Vecchio—the city’s most iconic crossing, lined with jewellery shops and offering unobstructed views upstream and downstream.

Walking distance landmarks structure daily life here. The Uffizi Gallery stands 400 metres north—allow three hours minimum for even a selective visit to this repository of Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo. The Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s seat of civic power since 1299, occupies the Piazza della Signoria just 500 metres away; its crenellated silhouette dominates the skyline. The Florence Duomo and Campanile, featuring Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome, sit 800 metres north—the architectural innovation that anchors the city’s identity. For art focused on religious narrative, the Accademia Gallery houses Michelangelo’s David just 1.2 kilometres away, though arrive early to avoid peak-hour queues.

The neighbourhood itself rewards aimless wandering. The Bargello, a fortress-palace now housing sculpture collections, stands 600 metres away. Piazza Santo Spirito, a working square with casual restaurants and artisan workshops, is a 15-minute walk across the Ponte Vecchio. Boboli Gardens, Florence’s largest public park with cypress-lined walkways and Renaissance fountains, occupies the hillside behind the Palazzo Pitti, a 20-minute walk southwestward.

For market shopping and daily supplies, the San Lorenzo Market operates just 800 metres north—a sprawling covered market selling fresh produce, leather goods, and souvenirs. Supermarkets including Coop and Esselunga operate within 400 metres for self-catering basics. Numerous restaurants cluster on Via dei Benci itself and radiating streets: expect traditional Tuscan cuisine (ribollita, bistecca alla fiorentina, pici pasta), wine bars featuring Chianti and Brunello, and gelato shops where queuing for 30 minutes indicates genuine quality.

Seasonal rhythms shape Florence’s character. April through May brings spring light, lower rainfall, and moderate crowds—ideal for gallery visits and walking the city’s bridges without summer crush. September and October replicate spring conditions with returning sunshine after August humidity. December features Christmas markets and festive atmosphere, though temperatures drop and rain is common. July and August bring intense heat (often exceeding 30°C) and peak tourist density; air conditioning becomes essential, and early-morning or late-evening exploration proves more comfortable.

Day trips extend easily from this location. The Tuscan countryside—rolling hills, cypress groves, and Chianti vineyards—begins 30 kilometres south; train services from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station (1 kilometre away) connect to villages like Greve in Chianti within 45 minutes. Siena, famous for its Palio horse race and shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, sits 70 kilometres south (90 minutes by train or car). Monteriggioni, a perfectly preserved medieval walled village, occupies high ground 40 kilometres away. Pisa, home to the Leaning Tower and maritime history museums, lies 90 kilometres northwest (90 minutes by train).

For art-focused exploration beyond Florence’s centre, Villa d’Este near Rome (280 kilometres) and the hill towns of Umbria (Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto) within 80-140 kilometres southeastward represent feasible weekend extensions.

Explore our luxury villas throughout Italy for comparison options across different regions. For a comprehensive overview of accommodation choices across the region, browse our full collection in Tuscany and central Italy. To deepen your understanding of Florence’s history, culture, and seasonal rhythms, consult our Florence travel guide, which includes detailed recommendations for museums, restaurants, and hidden neighbourhoods.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Apartment Florentius serves multiple guest profiles effectively. Multi-generational families—grandparents, parents, children—benefit from the fourth-floor sitting area as a retreat space, while the ground-floor shared living maintains group connectivity. The twin-bedded third bedroom accommodates children or teenagers while parents occupy the doubles; en-suite bathrooms eliminate morning bathroom conflicts across a six-person household.

Couples and groups of four to six friends seeking urban immersion rather than countryside isolation find this address ideal. The street-level proximity to restaurants, galleries, and nightlife means minimal planning for evening entertainment; spontaneity replaces coordination. Remote workers or sabbatical-takers benefit from reliable Wi-Fi, separate work surfaces (the dining table functions well for laptops), and the psychological lift of living on a lively street rather than in isolated countryside accommodation.

Cultural enthusiasts—art historians, architecture students, museum-focused travellers—value the proximity to Florence’s institutional collections. The ability to visit the Uffizi Gallery for two hours, return to the apartment for siesta and coffee, then explore the Accademia before evening drinks on Piazza della Signoria suits people driven by aesthetic experience rather than beach relaxation.

Families with babies and toddlers find practical support: washing machines for daily laundry, heating and air conditioning for temperature stability, and the lack of outdoor stairs or pool hazards. The lift-serviced access eliminates stroller navigation through multiple staircases—a significant practical advantage in historic buildings. The fourth-floor sitting area offers a quiet space for afternoon naps away from street noise.

The apartment suits those comfortable with urban soundscapes. Via dei Benci carries traffic noise, conversation from below, and the ambient hum of city life. Guests seeking silent countryside or secluded garden space should consider rural alternatives; this property delivers immersion in Florence’s actual character, which is vibrant, social, and aurally present.

Practical Information

Capacity & Layout: Apartment Florentius accommodates 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms spread across ground and first floors of a historic palazzo.

Getting There: Florence’s primary airport, Amerigo Vespucci (also known as Florence Airport), sits 4 kilometres northwest of the city centre; transfers take approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi or car. Alternatively, Pisa International Airport, 90 kilometres away, offers wider flight options with 90-minute transfer times. Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station connects to major Italian cities and European networks; from the station, Apartment Florentius is a 1.5-kilometre walk or 10-minute taxi ride.

Parking: On-street parking on Via dei Benci proves difficult and carries metered costs. Most guests arriving by car use paid parking facilities within 200 metres (Garage Lungarno operates nearby) at approximately €18-25 per day. Public transport—buses, trams, and the city’s flat terrain—makes car parking optional for city-focused stays.

Included in Rental: Wi-Fi, air conditioning, heating, bed linens, bathrobes, towels, washing machine use, satellite television, and building elevator access. Utilities (water, electricity, gas) are included.

Additional Services: Mid-stay cleaning can be arranged. Late check-in (after 19:00) may incur surcharges. Early check-in (before 15:00) depends on availability.

Nearest Supermarket: Coop supermarket operates 350 metres away on Via dei Servi; Esselunga sits 450 metres away near the Duomo. Both operate six days per week (limited Sunday hours).

Frequently Asked Questions about Apartment Florentius

How many guests does Apartment Florentius sleep?

Apartment Florentius accommodates 6 guests across 3 bedrooms: one double bed in Bedroom 1 (with walk-in wardrobe), one double in Bedroom 2, and twin beds in Bedroom 3. Four en-suite bathrooms ensure minimal morning wait times. The capacity is fixed at 6; additional guests cannot be accommodated, and roll-away beds are not available.

What is the nearest airport to Apartment Florentius?

Amerigo Vespucci (Florence Airport) sits 4 kilometres northwest of the city centre, approximately 15 minutes by taxi or rental car. Pisa International Airport, 90 kilometres north, offers a wider range of international flight options with approximately 90-minute transfer time. Both airports have regular shuttle services and car rental facilities. Train arrival at Santa Maria Novella station (1 kilometre from the apartment) represents another option, particularly from European cities.

What is the best time of year to rent Apartment Florentius?

April to May offers spring conditions—temperatures 15-22°C, lower rainfall, manageable tourist numbers, and light conducive to photography. September to October mirrors these conditions with autumn colours and departing summer crowds. December brings festive markets and holiday atmosphere, though temperatures drop to 5-10°C and rain increases. July and August bring heat exceeding 30°C, peak tourist congestion, and high air-conditioning demand. Avoid November and early December for frequent rainfall and grey skies. January through March involves winter temperatures (3-10°C) and unpredictable weather, though museums have shorter queues.

Is Apartment Florentius suitable for families with children?

Yes, with considerations. The apartment includes family-friendly features: washing machines for daily laundry (essential with young children), heating and cooling for climate control, twin-bed option in Bedroom 3, and an upper-floor sitting area offering quiet retreat. The lift eliminates stair navigation with strollers. However, the location on a busy street means persistent traffic and conversation noise—not ideal for light sleepers or for families seeking garden space and outdoor play areas. No pool or private outdoor space exists. Florence’s streets are largely pedestrian-friendly, and museums rarely have child entertainment beyond visual interest. Families seeking child-focused activities (swimming, beach access, playground facilities) should consider coastal properties or rural villas; this apartment suits families aged 10+ and those comfortable with urban exploration.

What is included in the rental price at Apartment Florentius?

The rental price includes utilities (water, electricity, heating, air conditioning), Wi-Fi, bed linens changed weekly, towels refreshed every two days, satellite television access, and washing machine use. Cleaning is included at check-out; mid-stay cleaning can be arranged for an additional fee. Toiletries, kitchen equipment (cookware, cutlery, plates), and essential utilities (soap, toilet paper) are provided. Parking is not included and must be arranged separately at nearby facilities (approximately €18-25 daily).

What restaurants and shops are near Apartment Florentius?

Apartment Florentius sits on Via dei Benci, where restaurants cluster densely. For traditional Tuscan cuisine, Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori (80 metres away) serves ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina in a casual setting. Caffè Rivoire (Piazza della Signoria, 500 metres) offers sit-down dining with views of the Palazzo Vecchio. Wine bars including Enoteca Pinchiorri (nearby) specialize in Chianti, Brunello, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Gelato shops operate on nearly every corner—Gelateria della Passera (300 metres away) maintains quality standards and opens daily. For market shopping, San Lorenzo Market (800 metres north) sells fresh produce, leather goods, and prepared foods daily except Sundays. Coop supermarket (350 metres) and Esselunga (450 metres) serve daily provisioning needs. Street-level cafés on Via dei Benci provide morning espresso and afternoon aperitivos without leaving your immediate vicinity.