A historic hotel built around the Torre della Pagliazza, a 6th-century Byzantine tower, incorporating a medieval church and a small museum of Roman and medieval remains, near the Duomo.
Hotel Brunelleschi is built around one of Florence's most unusual architectural survivals: the Torre della Pagliazza, a circular tower with foundations resting on the remains of a Roman-era calidarium, later used as a Byzantine watchtower and, for a time, a women's prison. The hotel incorporates the tower along with the former medieval church of San Michele in Palchetto into a single complex just steps from the Duomo.
A small in-house museum displays archaeological finds uncovered during the hotel's restoration, giving guests a tangible connection to two thousand years of Florentine history layered into a single building. Guest rooms occupy both the historic tower and adjoining modern wings, combining exposed stone and ancient brickwork with comfortable contemporary furnishings.
The hotel's restaurant, Santa Elisabetta, has held a Michelin star, and the piazza-facing terrace is a pleasant spot for a coffee within sight of the Duomo's campanile. The location on Piazza Santa Elisabetta puts the Duomo, Baptistery, and Piazza della Signoria all within a five-to-eight-minute walk.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Address | Piazza Santa Elisabetta, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy |
Room types
- Classic Room
- Superior Room
- Deluxe Room
- Tower Suite
Amenities
- restaurant
- bar
- concierge
- wifi
- air conditioning
- museum on site
Weather through the year in Italy
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Location
Piazza Santa Elisabetta, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
43.7712, 11.2558 View on map
Highlights
- Built around the Torre della Pagliazza, a 6th-century Byzantine tower over Roman remains
- In-house archaeological museum displaying finds from the hotel's restoration
- Michelin-starred Santa Elisabetta restaurant on site
- Steps from the Duomo, Baptistery, and Piazza della Signoria
- Rooms in both the historic tower and adjoining modern wings
Tips for visiting
- Ask at reception about visiting the small on-site archaeological museum, included for guests
- Book Santa Elisabetta restaurant well ahead - it is a genuine Michelin-starred destination
- Request a tower room for the most historically distinctive stay, though these are limited in number
- The Duomo is a five-minute walk; visit early morning to avoid the midday crowds
- The piazza terrace is a good spot for a quiet coffee away from the busier streets nearby
Accessibility
The hotel has lift access to the main guest floors. The historic tower section has some architectural constraints typical of a centuries-old structure; contact the hotel in advance to confirm accessible room options.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Torre della Pagliazza?
It is a circular 6th-century Byzantine tower incorporated into the hotel, built over the remains of a Roman-era calidarium; it later served various uses including a prison before being restored as part of the hotel.
Is the restaurant Michelin-starred?
Yes, the hotel's restaurant, Santa Elisabetta, has held a Michelin star and is open to non-guests by reservation.
How far is the hotel from the Duomo?
The Duomo and Baptistery are approximately a five-minute walk from the hotel.