Palazzo della Gherardesca

Palazzo della Gherardesca is a Renaissance palace in Florence that now operates as a luxury hotel, featuring a rectangular courtyard adorned with carved reliefs. The building surrounds one of the largest private gardens in the historic center, laid out across different levels.

The palace was built in the late 15th century for a high-ranking Florence official who maintained close ties with the Medici family. Its architecture and expansive garden reflect the power and wealth held by this prominent figure in the city.

The palace served as a venue for Renaissance performances and demonstrates its importance in Florence's artistic circles. Today, visitors can sense traces of this cultural role when entering the hotel.

The property is accessible to guests as a hotel, and the garden can be explored while walking through the grounds. Visitors should know that access to certain areas may be restricted and the best impression of the courtyard and gardens is gained during a stay.

The garden contains mandarin tree saplings that began growing here in the early 1600s, marking an early moment in Florence's botanical history. The grounds also shelter ancient specimens like a large maple and sequoia that have thrived for generations.