This is an amazingly large Florence vacation apartment with dramatic, high ceilings and beautiful large arched windows. It is located smack in the historic center of Florence in the chic neighborhood where both well heeled Italians and tourists come to stroll, see the sights and enjoy the large selection of excellent restaurants and world-class shopping. This is an exciting neighborhood, where you can step out and be part of the scene and then retreat back to the comfortable Prisco Florence apartment when your feet need a break. You can be back "home" within minutes from most of the major sites in the center of town. It's a well-situated apartment in Florence for exploring the sites.

The Gucci store is directly behind the apartment building, the Robert Cavalli boutique is right outside your front door, the Tod & Hogan store are around the corner, Salvatore Ferragamo's flagship store and shoe museum are only a 2-minute walk away.

The apartment building is located at the intersection of Via della Spada and Via della Vigna Nuova where they form a triangle off Via Tornabuoni. Around 1740 (recent by Italian standards!) Pietro Leopoldo, Grand Duke of Tuscany, decided to rename the streets of Florence. At that time the name Spada, meaning "sword" was chosen for this street. Some city historians believe that the name was selected since the straight direction of the street somewhat resembles "una spada" -- that is, a sword. Via Spada is located where the first circle of Roman walls surrounded the city, as the ancient walls ran along what is now Via Tornabuoni. Historians believe that Via Spada was the continuation, from east to west, of the ancient Roman road which includes Borgo degli Albizi, Via del Corso and Via Strozzi.

The apartment was completely remodeled in 2004 and is extremely spacious, measuring 85 square meters in total, or over 900 square feet. It is located on the third floor U.S. (this is called the second floor in Italy) of a four-story apartment building which has an elevator. The large living room features original hexagonal terracotta tiles and two large arched windows that overlook Via Spada. The morning sun illuminates the living room and kitchen area. The spacious kitchen opens off to the left of the living room with a wooden table that seats up to six people.

Throw open the large kitchen windows and enjoy the lively scene below. Or enjoy meals around the table with the freshest ingredients from the many wonderful local food merchants. The apartment features many original Italian antiques, yet the living room maintains a casual feel with a modern, top quality new Italian sofa that opens to become queen size bed. The casual feel means you can put your feet up on the coffee table or stretch out on the sofa for a nap.

Enjoy relaxing meals in the open plan kitchen around the large dining table if you prefer. In the morning zip down to the bakery that is next door to the apartment building and pick out your morning bread and pastries. In the afternoon stop by for a few delicate cookies for tea time or dessert. Only a few blocks away is a large news agent that has newspapers and magazines in every language. What a great way to begin your day each morning in Florence! At night, enjoy a glass of wine and relax a bit before you head out to one of the many excellent neighborhood restaurants. Right on the street are several good cafes and restaurants, making it so convenient if your feet are crying for mercy after a busy day filled with sightseeing.

The sparkling new kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances including an English-style gas range with grill, a large oven, lots of cabinet and countertop space, dishwasher, and a large refrigerator with freezer. The kitchen is fully equipped with pots, pans, dishes and serving pieces as well as some basic provisions such as good extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. The beautiful stove features a charming hood and pretty decorative Italian tiles on the back splash.

Just off the living room is a short hallway that leads to the bathroom and a good sized storage closet handy for luggage and coats. The bathroom is all new with a glossy blue glass countertop, handy shelves for personal items, under-sink storage, ample hooks, a heated towel rack, toilet and bidet. The full size bathtub features an ingenious glass shower enclosure, which folds back flush to the wall out of the way when taking a bath. An arched antique window high above the bathtub lets in light and air.

The spacious master bedroom is to the right off of the living room, with soaring ceilings and a beautiful romantic queen size iron bed draped with soft, sheer fabric. In front of the large arched window that faces Via della Spada is a beautiful antique Tuscan table, where you can write postcards, muse in your travel journal while you relax with a cup of tea. A chaise lounge-style twin bed in the corner of the bedroom provides an extra sleeping space for a child or teen. A pretty hand-painted armorie and an antique dresser provide ample clothing storage space. Night stands on either side of the bed provide good reading light at night. The bedroom alone is over 40 square meters, or 430 square feet...larger then many Florence apartments! We like to advise guests that since this apartment is in the popular historic center, there can be street noise at night from pedestrians (not cars) down below who are strolling by after a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Prisco also offers flexibility if you need additional sleeping space, as it can be rented in conjunction with the Strozzi or Michaela apartments which are on the same floor, just a few steps down a private hallway.

If you want to be right in the center of Florence, with all the sites within a few minutes walk, this apartment is an excellent choice! Please note that this is a bustling neighborhood filled with cafes, restaurants and a pub nearby. If you prefer a quiet location, please bear this in mind as the windows overlook the street below where pedestrians can be noisy. Double glazed windows were installed in the bedroom in May 2007 so this helps to reduce the noise.

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to make a booking.

This is a non-smoking apartment. No pets please.


Click on the floor plan for a larger view.

Euros Price:
1-2 People High Season €1020/wk..€960/6nt..€840/5nt..€787/4nt
1-2 People Low Season €880/wk..€830/6 nt..€720/5 nt..€680/4 nt
3-5 People High Season €1170/wk..€1105/6nt..€960/5nt..€900/4nt
3-5 People Low Season €1000/wk..€945/6nt..€821/5nt..€771/4 nt
4 NIGHT MINIMUM except Christmas, New Years 7 night minimum
Includes utilities up to a generous €40/week & final cleaning
Sorry no pets, no smoking

Bedrooms:
Sleeps 5: Master bedroom with queen size bed and a single sofabed that sleeps one person. Queen size sofa bed in living room. A portable crib is available upon request.

Bathrooms:
1 bathroom: Full size bath tub with shower enclosure, sink, toilet and bidet. The bathroom has all new fixtures. Hairdryer provided. An additional half-bath is just down the private hallway for the use of Prisco guests if there are more then 2 people.

No. of Guests:
Up 5 people.

Size:
900 square feet

Elevator:
Yes. Access to the elevator up 8 steps from the lobby. 3rd floor U.S. (2nd floor European designation)

Air Conditioning & Heat:
Air conditioning in both living room and bedroom. Central heating.

Washer:
Washer - Yes. No clothes dryer but collapsible drying rack provided. Iron and board provided.

Kitchen:
Fully equipped kitchen with four burner stove, large oven, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, espresso pot, dishwasher and large refrigerator/freezer.

Telephone & Internet Access:
A loaner cell phone is available for guests' use. WiFi throughout. Computer with DSL available free of charge located down private hall in workroom shared with Prisco, Strozzi, Michaela apartment guests.

TV, DVD, CD Player, Radio:
Satellite TV with English news channels. Mulitstandard DVD player. CD player provided so bring your favorite music.

Linens:
Linens and towels are provided.

Security:
A hotel-style safe is provided for valuables.

Neighborhood:
The most central and fashionable area in the historic center of Florence, directly off the famous Via Tornabuoni, where all the major Italian fashion boutiques are located. The area abounds with major historical sites, shops, restaurants and cafes. Plentiful local shops include a bakery on the same block, two alimentari (little grocery stores) with local specialties, restaurants, fruit and vegetable merchant. Only 15 minutes away by foot is the famous Florence Mercato Centrale, the large, covered market where you can get the freshest meats, produce, cheeses, flowers, pasta. Easy walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station. Piazza Repubblica is 4 blocks, Palazzo Strozzi is 1 block, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, train station are all less then a 10 minute walk.

As this is a lively neighborhood, there tends to be noise down below in the street from pedestrians walking around, returning from a night out - light sleepers please take note.


Click on the map for a larger view.