By Kristen Oliveri
There are few cities where history and beauty are as intertwined as Florence. Now, steps from the Duomo, a new boutique hotel is bringing a fresh perspective to the heart of the Renaissance city.
Palazzo Sogni has opened on Via de’ Martelli, just a one-minute walk from Florence’s cathedral and less than five minutes from Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella.
The 30-room boutique hotel is the combined vision of entrepreneur and hotelier Andrea Cecchi and designers Elena and Giulia Sella, who have created a space that feels distinctly Florentine while introducing a more contemporary point of view.
The history of Palazzo Sogni dates back to the sixteenth century. Originally part of Palazzo Testa, the building was constructed by the Martelli family during the height of the Renaissance. Today, original architectural elements and sensitively restored frescoes sit alongside a palette of powder blue, sage green and ivory, finished with brass accents.
At the center of the design is the core idea that luxury is rooted less in excess and more in emotion. The female-led design team has given the historic property a new chapter, respecting its centuries-old character while bringing a distinctly modern sensibility to its rooms and suites.
“For us, true luxury is the ability to evoke emotion. When we first stepped into this palace, we imagined a place where dreams would become the common thread running through every detail, transforming every stay into an experience to be lived and remembered,” said Elena and Giulia Sella. “From this vision, Palazzo Sogni was born: a new interpretation of hospitality, where history, design, art, and experiences merge to create a timeless atmosphere capable of inspiring wonder, where dreams come to life and become memories to treasure.”