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With cinematic views of the Duomo and a 16th-century chapel with original marble floors, Collegio alla Querce is rightfully assuming its spot as the newest jewel in Auberge Resorts' crown. As Cabana throws an elegant summer soirée at the impressive Florentine property, Martina Mondadori checks-in to a new favorite stay where luxury and authenticity intertwine.
BY MARTINA MONDADORI | CABANA TRAVEL | 16 MAY 2025
There is something deeply evocative about arriving at Collegio alla Querce. As you meander up the cypress-lined drive, the bustle of Florence slowly fades, replaced by the gentle whisper of the overarching oaks and the warm embrace of terracotta walls.
What was once a 16th-century educational institution, perched high on a hillside overlooking Florence's Centro Storico, has been masterfully transformed into Auberge Resorts Collection's newest Italian jewel, while still maintaining the intrinsic soul and character that makes this property so uniquely Florentine.
I did not visit the property during its extensive renovation, when the bones of its storied past were still visible beneath layers of construction, but I imagine even then I would have sensed the magic that would emerge. Now, as I step into the gracious entrance hall, its elegant proportions restored and refreshed, I have the lingering sensation that I’m entering a private Tuscan villa rather than a hotel.
Perhaps this is due to the almost obsessive attention paid to the preservation of the original architectural elements, their subtle integration into the “new” building brilliantly maintains the historical identity of the original complex. From a chapel with the original marble floors and carved ceilings to the theater which charmingly retains its original woodwork, the renovation has respected the materials and construction techniques of the time. In proceeding with such caution the building manages to maintain its historical authenticity, enhancing the original’s architecture and soul.
Each of the 83 rooms and suites tells its own story, embracing the building's heritage while adding contemporary comforts that never overwhelm the sense of place. In my suite, original timber beams frame views of the Duomo that seem almost impossibly cinematic, as if Florence's iconic cathedral were posing just for my enjoyment. The interiors balance rusticity and refinement with an effortless grace that is quintessentially Italian - neutral linens, locally sourced antiques, and thoughtful details that invite you to linger.
What truly distinguishes Collegio alla Querce is its garden—a cascading series of baroque, terraced spaces shaded by the eponymously majestic, centuries old oak trees. Dinner at La Gamella becomes an occasion to remember too. The restaurant occupies what was once the school's dining hall, now reimagined as an elegant space that honors Italian culinary traditions while allowing them room to breathe and evolve, whilst Bar Bertelli, is housed in what was once the principal's office.
Cabana’s collaboration with Collegio alla Querce feels particularly meaningful because of this shared appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship. The Refettorio, where we've curated a private dining experience using statement pieces from our collection, offers the most intimate glimpse into what makes this property so special.
As evening falls and candlelight flickers across tables set with our porcelain and glassware, guests are treated to more than a meal; to a moment suspended in time where past and present converse freely, and where beauty in all its forms is celebrated without pretense.
As I reluctantly depart, descending back toward Florence's ancient streets, I find myself already planning a return. In a city renowned for its artistic treasures, Collegio alla Querce offers something equally precious: a vantage point that allows you to appreciate Florence's magnificence while giving you space to breathe, reflect, and simply be.
It embodies what I've always believed - that true luxury lies not in ostentation but in authenticity, craftsmanship, and the courage to let a place reveal itself slowly, one beautiful detail at a time.
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