Historic Evolution of the Palazzo della Gherardesca

For seven years, architects, historians and craftsmen lovingly prepared two historic Florentine palaces and the city’s largest enclosed private gardens for the next evolution in their storied history, as a Four Seasons hotel.

Now, guests may join the ranks of a Pope, an order of nuns, executives of Italy’s first railway company, five centuries of Italian nobles, and a Viceroy of Egypt (who sold his home when his harem was barred from moving in), who have all lived, worked or worshipped in the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca and 16th-century La Villa, the two residences home to Four Seasons Hote Firenze.

Through half a millennium, successive owners and residents have made their mark with additions and improvements, with each preserving the work of their predecessors. The result is an epic journey through Florentine history.