Plinius No. 054 | A Florentine Secret

A Secret Florence

Tucked away behind the unassuming façade of a 19th-century palazzo in Oltrarno, a different Florence unfolds—one that is quieter, richer, and deeply personal. Here, in the largest private garden within the city walls in Europe, a grand yet intimate retreat awaits.

Once the noble residence of the Torrigiani family, this hidden haven still holds their legacy in every carefully preserved detail. It is a place where aristocratic history meets playful modernity, where time slows, and every object tells a story.

Stepping inside is like entering a world where past and present embrace. Lofty ceilings adorned with delicate frescoes, grand windows overlooking lush greenery, and original parquet floors set the stage for a stay unlike any other. But there is nothing predictable about the design. Mid-century Italian furniture mingles with antique finds, framed Pucci scarves hang as art, and an eclectic mix of the 50s, 60s, and 70s décor creates an atmosphere that feels curated, not staged—lived in, not just styled.

The rooms

Sixteen rooms, each unique, offer their own interpretation of Florence. Some open directly onto the sprawling wraparound terrace, where guests sip morning cappuccinos or evening cocktails while gazing at the fairytale neo-Gothic tower that rises from the garden’s heart. Two secluded suites, hidden within the greenery itself, feel like countryside escapes—yet the Ponte Vecchio is just a ten-minute walk away.

The garden, once a 16th-century botanical wonder, is a living testament to Florence’s deep connection to nature and art. Its most iconic feature, the astronomer’s tower, was designed as an ode to the perfection of the circle—a reminder that this city has always been a place where science and beauty intertwine. Beyond its historical grandeur, the garden holds unexpected stories: it was here, on its largest lawn, that Florence’s first football club was born in 1898.

Though guests cannot roam the garden freely, the terrace provides the best view of its magic—a sanctuary within a sanctuary. The seats here, inspired by the green benches of Parisian parks, invite visitors to linger, to pause, to let Florence reveal itself slowly.

Breakfast

Mornings begin with a breakfast of hand-selected local delicacies, prepared not by distant suppliers but by friends of the house—like Lorenzo, the neighborhood baker who carries on the tradition of homemade cakes, and Andrea, the trusted grocer whose cheeses and cured meats tell the story of Tuscany in every bite. The connection between hosts and artisans runs deep, a reflection of a philosophy where hospitality extends beyond service—it is personal, heartfelt, and rooted in passion.

This devotion to the art of hosting is no accident. The co-owner and creative director, Matteo Perduca, carries a legacy of hospitality in his blood. His grandfather ran a hotel in Lucca in the 1930s, his grandmother pioneered one of the first Tuscan coastal campsites in the 1960s, and his great-grandfather welcomed travelers with their horses in an albergo con stallazzo over a century ago. This is more than a business—it is a calling, a continuation of a family tradition that values warmth, and individuality, and an experience that lingers long after departure.

Beyond the garden walls, Oltrarno awaits—the Florence of artisans and antiquarians, of hidden workshops and family-run trattorias, where the city’s creative spirit thrives. Matteo encourages guests to wander its streets, to pause for an espresso, to strike up a conversation. This is the Florence that locals cherish, the one that rewards those who take the time to discover it.

Like the stars that inspired the garden’s tower, this place was designed for dreamers, for those who see travel not as a checklist but as an experience to be felt, savored, and remembered. It is a Florentine secret waiting to be found, a story waiting to be lived.

Price Indication

Prices start from € 230 (depending on room and season)