Celebrating Women in History at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze: A Tour of Palazzo Del Nero for International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women's Day, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze invites guests to a special tour of Palazzo Del Nero, one of the two Renaissance buildings located at the heart of the Gherardesca Garden.

On March 7, 2025, curious guests and external visitors will have the unique opportunity to uncover the stories of influential women, including Enrichetta Torrigiani, who adorned what is now the Presidential Suite, and the French nuns who established the Conventino, all of whom left a lasting impact on the history of this magnificent building.

The tour, led by Sara Innocenti, a Florentine tour guide and travel content creator, offers an exclusive opportunity to explore these key moments in Palazzo Del Nero's past, while celebrating the lasting influence of the remarkable women who have shaped its legacy.

The Story of Palazzo del Nero

Palazzo Del Nero is a hidden treasure of Florentine history, and its legacy is deeply intertwined with the women who influenced its artistic and architectural evolution. It has a rich history dating back to the XVI century when it was part of the Wool Guild properties. In the XVII century, it was given to Baron Filippo del Nero, whose family later expanded and renovated the building. After the death of the Del Nero heir, the property passed to his wife, Ottavia Guadagni Del Nero, and then to their daughter, Enrichetta Torrigiani Peruzzi.

It is she who stands out for commissioning the magnificent coffered ceiling in what was then the dining room of the nuns, and now the Presidential Suite, the most iconic room of Palazzo del Nero. Painted by Faentine artist Pasquale Saviotti, the ceiling features the Torrigiani family crest alongside the Ruspoli coat of arms and depicts allegorical figures such as Hospitality, Courtesy, and Decorum. In 1834, the Torrigiani family sold the property to the Ruspoli family, who made it their permanent residence, converting it into a grand “country house.”

In the early 1900s, the estate was sold to Maria Stintzy, who leased it to the French nuns of Maria Riparatrice. The nuns further enriched the property by constructing a new church in 1907, designed by architect Luigi Bellincioni in a neogothic style. This church replaced an older chapel and added a profound spiritual element to the estate’s history, solidifying the nuns' lasting influence on the property. Today, the church, now deconsecrated, serves as a mesmerizing venue, hosting everything from magical events to unforgettable weddings in its beautifully historic setting.

Palazzo del Nero tour:  March 7, 2025, 11:00 am – info and bookings: caterina.tritto@fourseasons.com