Villa Cora

Villa Cora is located inside a centuries-old park that overlooks the Boboli Gardens, on the hills just outside the historical center of Florence.

The villa is an aristocratic residence built at the end of the XIX century by architect Pietro Comparini upon commission by Baron Oppenheim reflecting the architectural styles of that period, dominated by a strong eclectic decor that provides the villa with different, sometimes even bizarre, artistic styles. Villa Cora, inaugurated when Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, has become throughout the years one of the major cultural and cosmopolitan symbols of Florence. Villa Cora earned its reputation by hosting international guests of great importance, such as Princess Eugenia, wife of Napoleon III, and the french musician Claude Debussy, and being considered the most beautiful residence of the Tuscan capital.

After several changes of ownership, Villa Cora became an exclusive grand hotel at the end of 1960 and reopened in late 2010 after a detailed three-year restoration which has brought to light two centuries of history of Florence. Starting from the 2013 the hotel is member of Relais & Châteaux Association.

HOTEL

The hotel has 46 rooms and suites, divided into the main villa and in two adjacent buildings, which were restored to the minutest of details with the aim of conserving the original architectural style as much as possible. In the main villa, there are 30 suites and rooms divided into 4 floors, each with its own style. The first, known as the "noble floor" is strongly characterized by its marvelous frescoes; the second dedicated to the ex-empress Eugenia widow of Napoleon III and to the roses that were her favorite flower: the third is the floor dedicated to the Orient, in pure Moorish spirit. Lastly, a pearl, the junior suite 401 inspired by the American fabulous '50's which can be reached by a private lift.

Villino Eugenia is a small guesthouse overlooking the Boboli Gardens. With 14 different accommodations, each has been decorated and furnished according to the bourgeois styles of the late 19th century with ceilings representing rare and exotic subjects. The spa is located inside the Villino Eugenia.

Lastly, La Follie, a small guesthouse located at the edge of the park that surrounds Villa Cora has a particular charm and discretion with only 2 rooms, providing complete and total privacy.

POOL & PARK

Villa Cora hosts a large outdoor pool, located in the Italian park in the shadow of majestic oak trees. The floor of the area and the pool water are heated.

Peculiarities of the garden is the presence of more than 100 types of roses in soft pastel colors like white, pink and salmon, among the most precious varieties: British, French and ancient roses decorating the park between evergreen hedges. With an area of over 900 square meters, the beautiful park is perfectly suited for outdoor events and ceremonies in a romantic atmosphere.

RESTAURANTS & LOUNGES

The kitchen offers a classic cuisine reinterpreted with seasonal products, mainly local selected by the Executive Chef Alessandro Liberatore.

In the winter, the restaurant is located inside the villa in the marvelous Moorish Hall, one of the most beautiful and fascinating of the house, with oriental style and a domed ceiling with original fresco of Antonio Caremmi. From April to October the restaurant moves to Le Bistrot in the winter garden by the pool, which allows to enjoy the beauty of the park. Le Bistrot restaurant hosts wine and foods events as Pizza & Champagne and Sunday Barbecue.

HALLS & MEETING ROOMS

The common areas, located in the attractive rooms on the ground floor of the main Villa, have been restored with full respect for the original items and offer different options for meeting and business lunches, events and presentations.

The Moresque Room is perfectly adapted to meetings and formal dinners, and can host up to 20 seated guests.

The Mirror Room is the biggest and most majestic, suitable for every type of event, thanks to the charm of the original Baroque decorations. Musical evenings with live piano music enrich the offer of this beautiful place. Overlooking the Mirror Room is a wide and elegant terrace that dominates the park and the hills leading toward the city.

A small smoking room is found in the White Room, characterized by the majesty of the monumental fireplace.

The Card Room is instead dedicated to tranquility, afternoon tea and reading.

Rooftop On top of the roof there is a large and elegant terrace overlooking the park and the hills of Florence. Thanks to the breathtaking view of the city, the large panoramic terrace, extending over 150 square meters, is the ideal location for scenographic events at sunset.