Carved into the Florence hilltop, Villa San Michele is a work of art, inside and out. From its façade designed by the School of Michelangelo to the surrounding woodlands where Leonardo Da Vinci first attempted to fly, this cultural haven invites exploration and exchange. As the sun casts heavenly golden light, sip on an aperitif in our convivial gardens and savour true serenity in perfect privacy. This is a moment where the past meets the future - in a villa that floats above the rest of the world.

Surrounded by lush trees and terraced gardens with views down to Florence, this location is hard to beat. Step inside and experience the beauty of a Renaissance monastery that is as much a part of Italy's culture as the country’s greatest cathedrals and galleries.
Today, Villa San Michele is recognised as one of the country’s finest small boutique hotels. Stroll in the Italian gardens, bursting with lemon trees and fragrant roses, and savour superb Tuscan cuisine on the alfresco loggia as if in a private home.

Enjoy the best of both worlds at Villa San Michele, with sumptuous privacy within Florence’s countryside while remaining a stone’s throw of the vibrant city. Hop on our courtesy shuttle to arrive in the centre within fifteen minutes, or stroll through scenic Fiesole, with its olive groves and shaded woodland.

ACCOMMODATION
The spirit of the Renaissance sings in every detail of this exquisite hotel. For Tuscany accommodation with breathtaking views over Florence, Villa San Michele can’t be beaten. From sumptuous Double Rooms to indulgent Suites, all its spaces are uniquely crafted with total relaxation in mind.

DINING
With the freshest local produce in the finest location, dining here is the perfect way to appreciate the true magic behind Italian and Tuscan cuisine. It doesn’t hurt that the hotel overlooks Florence’s most coveted view - the panoramic vista from each of the restaurants stretches as far as to Brunelleschi’s Dome.
Visit the 16th-century arches of La Loggia to experience an avant-garde take on local ingredients, feast upon traditional Tuscan cuisine at Ristorante San Michele, or linger over a casual lunch at the Pool Grill.
• LA LOGGIA
At La Loggia, feast upon executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino's refined, elegant dishes, which feature daring modern twists and unique, locally-sourced ingredient combinations. The result? A fine dining experience like no other, with one-of-a-kind flavour sensations across a choice of degustation menus.
Perched high in the hills, this magical setting is perfect for admiring the twinkling city lights by night. A former monastery and now one of the most scenic restaurants in Florence, La Loggia is where fine-dining becomes art.
• RISTORANTE SAN MICHELE
Anticipate traditional, tasty Tuscan cuisine and a cosy welcome at Ristorante San Michele. As you take your seat overlooking the iconic Florentine skyline, the experience at this authentic eatery begins. The menu champions specialties from the Slow Food Foundation, including raw milk pecorino from Maremma, red onions from Certaldo and Sorana beans. Dining here is a celebration of exceptional local ingredients.
• BAR San Michele
This glamorous, fully-refurbished bar is the perfect spot to relax while sipping delicious signature cocktails.
Set in the hotel’s historic Cloister, the bar’s design balances tradition, soft contours, leather, brass and marble with flashes of modern sophistication. Or head outside into the garden for a long, lazy al fresco aperitivo with a view.
• POOL GRILL PIZZERIA
With Florence a breathtaking web below, the hilltop Pool Grill Restaurant is tempting at any time of day. Take a shaded seat on the terrace for a lazy lunch - a freshly prepared pizzas are perfect for leisurely dining. Or toast the day’s adventures with a poolside sundowner.
• SHAKE & DRINK
Under the domed arches of Bar Il Chiostrino, the expert barman is on hand to teach you how to create the perfect cocktail.
• DOMUS VINORUM
The newly redesigned wine cellar forms two intriguing venues. One is a dedicated tasting room, where you can sample the finest regional labels under the guidance of a sommelier. The other is a unique private dining room - perfect for a feast with family, friends and fellow wine lovers.

SWIMMING POOL
Set on a grassy plateau above the gardens, the shining pool is the best place to unwind with stunning views across the Arno Valley.

FITNESS
The panoramic gym offers state-of-the-art equipment, free weights and cardio machines to help you maintain your fitness regimen.

GARDENS
As you arrive at this paradise, rows of evergreen cypress trees line your path. Once nurtured by Franciscan monks, the immaculate 15th-century gardens at Villa San Michele include a large wooded park and terraced lawns. Here you’ll find the 400-year-old wisteria, the only one in Florence to bloom twice a year.
The quiet, natural beauty of the gardens is accentuated by lighting created by Pietro Porcinai. The celebrated landscape architect redesigned the gardens in the 1980s - undertaking a comprehensive study of all the plant species on the property and designing the whimsical, egg-shaped lanterns.
Join others for great lawn picnics and al-fresco events. Or wander along the stunning topiary, where the simple beauty of hillside living to bloom into focus.

HISTORY
Whether it’s the façade designed by Michelangelo or the woodlands where Leonardo da Vinci tested his flying machines, the hotel is alive with the spirit of the Renaissance.
Approaching Villa San Michele, you’re sure to feel this is the Tuscany that you’ve dreamed of. Two ancient sun-baked stone columns comprise the gate. The scent of olive groves perfume the air. After a short drive, shrouded in emerald green, you’ll reach its dazzling facade.
This Renaissance former monastery radiates classical Italian charm. You’d expect nothing less given that the design is attributed to Michelangelo himself.
This establishment is equally indebted to the Davanzati family. Having donated the land to a community of Franciscan monks in the 14th century, the family agreed to renovate and enlarge the property in 1600. Giovanni Davanzati’s papers include a contract - dated 23 January 1599 - between the monastery’s reverend and Michele del Barba. Del Barba was to complete the masonry, based on designs by Santi di Tito. One of Italy’s leading painters, di Tito also completed work on the Vatican.
Over the next five years, several artists performed work across the property. The facade’s embellishments are the work of famed stone-cutter Romolo Ferrucci. As well as the Davanzati coat of arms and two lions’ heads, there is a Latin inscription, which reads: "To God and to St Michael. Niccolò de Davanzati had erected 1411. Giovanni de’ Davanzati enlarged 1600".
The Church of Villa San Michele alla Doccia was declared a National Monument in 1896.