Exceptional hotel

Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection

A former Florentine college transformed into an exceptional panoramic retreat.

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The experience

An exceptional
escape

Why choose this journey

Collegio alla Querce is ideal for travelers wishing to discover Florence while enjoying the space, tranquility, and amenities of a true resort. Its elevated position allows guests to admire the Duomo and the Tuscan hills simultaneously before reaching the historic center via the hotel's shuttle. Heritage enthusiasts will appreciate the chapel, theater, frescoes, and mementos of the former boarding school, while couples will enjoy the panoramic suites, the spa, and dinners in the gardens. Connecting rooms, children's menus, and the large swimming pool also facilitate family stays. This recent opening is particularly notable for its rare balance between a Tuscan retreat, Florentine heritage, and urban proximity.

The Collegio alla Querce occupies three 16th-century buildings set on a residential hill north of Florence, in the leafy Le Cure district. The property was transformed into a prestigious boarding school by the Barnabite Fathers starting in 1868, before undergoing an extensive restoration that preserved its chapel, theater, hand-painted frescoes, and coffered ceilings. Opened as a hotel on March 2, 2025, this establishment is the first Italian property for Auberge Collection. Its terraced gardens offer a remarkable dual perspective of the Duomo, the rooftops of Florence, and the hills of the Tuscan countryside.

The hotel features 83 rooms and suites, comprising 49 rooms, 28 suites, and six Grand Suites with individualized configurations. The interiors blend Renaissance architecture, contemporary Italian furniture, antiques, curated artworks, and shades inspired by the Tuscan landscape. Large windows open onto the Baroque gardens, Brunelleschi’s dome, or the surrounding hills, while several suites retain historic frescoes or feature a private terrace. The La Quercia Penthouse, measuring approximately 209 m², is one of the most prestigious accommodations, while the Palazzo Moderno can be reserved to offer even more space and privacy.

The five levels of Baroque gardens feature lawns, oaks, olive trees, cypresses, sculptures, and panoramic terraces. On the upper part of the estate, a 35-meter outdoor swimming pool allows for swimming while facing Florence and the Tuscan countryside; its operation, as well as that of the adjacent restaurant, remains seasonal. Aelia, an Auberge Spa includes four treatment rooms and offers rituals inspired by wine, plants, olive oil, and regional traditions, notably using Furtuna Skin botanical products. A 24-hour fitness center, a movement studio, and wellness activities complete the offering.

The gastronomy is under the direction of Executive Chef Nicola Zamperetti, who revisits Tuscan traditions through local products and a contemporary approach. The main restaurant, La Gamella, offers seasonal Italian cuisine and features a Chef’s Table, while the Conservatorio hosts coffees, teas, and light dishes in a courtyard transformed into a winter garden. Located in the former headmaster’s office, Bar Bertelli combines creative cocktails, a library, and a cigar lounge. During the warmer months, Il Bosco serves grilled meats, fish, vegetables, pasta, and pizzas by the pool. Furthermore, the hotel holds two Michelin Keys, a distinction rewarding an exceptional stay.

Highlights