In the historic heart of the city, Palazzo Portinari Salviati is like taking a trip into the history of Florence, where you can stay in what was, among noble lineages, romantic intrigues and incredible art collections, the home of Beatrice, Dante Alighieri’s beloved muse.

At number 6 of via del Corso, a stone’s throw from the Duomo and the Uffizi, this extraordinary noble building has always been the protagonist of the city’s most illustrious history which can be felt in every detail. From the frescoed ceilings, to the internal courtyards, from the imposing stone staircases to the sumptuous halls, the Palace is an extraordinary journey through art and time.

Purchased by the Taiwanese entrepreneur Nelson Chang, a great collector and art enthusiast, it was reopened in 2022 as part of the LDC Hotel & Resorts group which brings together some of the most fascinating historic residences and starred restaurants in Italy and around the world, such as Palazzo Venart in Venice and Locanda Sant’Uffizio in Piedmont.

Deepening and recovering the historicity of places helps to infuse soul into the project: this is our mission.

(Spagnulo & Partners, Architects)

The origins of Palazzo Portinari take us back to the fifteenth century and to Dante Alighieri’s memories. Folco Portinari, father of Beatrice, to whom the famous poet dedicated various works, owned houses right here which, between 1470 and 1480, were merged giving life to the Palace that still bear their name and the family shield of arms at the front of the facade.

In the sixteenth century, the Palace was purchased by Jacopo Salviati, husband of Lucrezia de’ Medici and daughter of Lorenzo Il Magnifico, who progressively enlarged it. The walls were richly decorated with the works of the major artists of the time, including Donatello, Verrocchio and Correggio. In the following centuries, the property changed until it became a public building and, for 140 years, the prestigious headquarters of the bank Credito Toscano.

The delicate renovation was entrusted to the Milanese studio Spagnulo & Partners which created 13 fabulous suites on the main floor, some of which retain precious original elements such as the coffered wooden ceiling (as in room 101), the Tuscan terracotta floor or the stone fireplaces as well as tapestries, sculptures and busts part of the incredible private collection of the Chang family which contribute to creating a truly magical atmosphere.

All suites are characterized by enormous windows decorated with the coats of arms of the ancient Renaissance guilds and magnificent frescoed ceilings. Each is inspired and dedicated to the lives of the noble characters who inhabited the Palace, from Beatrice and Dante to Maria and Francesco I de’ Medici, after whom the Master suite was named.

On the upper floors, we find 25 apartments and a penthouse dedicated to Galileo Galilei with an extraordinary view of Florence and, in the basement, a spa for guests where, during the excavations, an authentic Etruscan furnace was also found.

The beautiful Cortile degli Imperatori on the ground floor hosts the Michelin-starred restaurant Atto di Vito Mollica, while the main courtyard, “supervised” by the statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici, hides the romantic Salotto Portinari Bar & Bistrot, also supervised by the magical hand of chef Mollica, the perfect choice for a gourmet lunch, an aperitif, or a breakfast surrounded by the most authentic history of the city.

The Secret

In 1708, King Frederick IV of Denmark stayed in the Palace whilst visiting Tuscany to see Maria Maddalena Trenta, his young love who decided to devote herself to monastic life. In fact, one of the suites on the first floor is named after him.

Useful Info

Palazzo Portinari Salviati
Via del Corso 6
50122 Firenze
Tel. +39 055 535353

Rooms and suites: from 590 to 2260 euro (breakfast included)