Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection opens in Florence

Named for the historic oaks that shade the original gardens, this 16th-century property rests on a hillside above Florence. Collegio alla Querce was a center of learning for more than 100 years. From 1774 onwards, Europe’s brightest scholars flowed through the marble-lined hallways on their way to the library, theatre and chapel. Realizing the vision of Analjit Singh, owner and founder of Leeu Collection, the property’s transformation into a contemporary 83-room hotel while preserving the original character was overseen by Esteva i Esteva, a Spanish father-son architectural firm. Local Florentine interior designers, ArchFlorence, brought to life the hotel’s exquisite guest rooms and suites, five dining venues including the extraordinary Bar Bertelli in the former principal’s office, and a serene Auberge Spa.

“We are thrilled to expand our European footprint by welcoming Florence and Collegio alla Querce into the Auberge family,”

said Christian Clerc, president and CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection.

“Collegio alla Querce has long been a Florence icon and an integral part of the fabric of this globally-beloved city. We are immensely excited to transform this jewel into Europe’s finest urban resort, where locals and guests can enjoy a highly curated lifestyle experience defined by cultural and artistic enrichment, outstanding gastronomy, and unforgettable moments.”

Expansive lawns cascade through historic terraced gardens, all restored to their full glory by landscape designer Franchesca Watson. Heading indoors, the harmonious symmetry of the gardens is framed by soaring windows and reflected in the design of the 66 Guest and Estate Rooms, 16 Suites and the showstopping 2,300-square-foot Quercia Suite.

Destination restaurant La Gamella presents seasonal Italian classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Chef’s Table is a convivial space to graze, engage with the chefs’ artistry and learn through cooking masterclasses. The atrium-inspired Conservatorio offers all-day dining, transitioning from morning coffee and cafe-style lunches to an intimate evening space. Designed for all-day alfresco lingering, poolside restaurant and bar Café Focolare serves Florence’s famed panini beneath a vine-covered trellis. The nightly star of the show is Bar Bertelli, once the headmaster’s office and now serving hand-rolled Italian cigars, cocktails and bar bites inspired by the distant lands explored in the school’s old history texts. A haven for rejuvenation, Aelia is the hotel’s Auberge Spa, which honours the vineyards, olive groves and abundance of fragrant herbs that thrive in Tuscany.

Unique venues offer elegant spaces for every occasion indoors and out, whether a lavish wedding celebration on Terrazza dell’Arco, the outdoor event lawn, or an intimate gathering in the 14-seat Refettorio Private Dining Room to mark a personal milestone. Celebrate beneath the soaring ceilings of La Cappella, the restored chapel, or dine and dance the night away in Il Teatro, the original theatre with its opulent stage and wraparound balcony. In the gardens, elaborate grazing tables impress for social events, while a barista ensures the perfect Italian coffee at meetings in Sala Noce and Sala Alloro. The Conservatorio’s adjacent library rooms host an art salon series and are also ideal for semi-private gatherings.

Lorenzo Maraviglia will lead the hotel as General Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience on the international hospitality scene with the Four Seasons, Armani and Ritz Carlton. Nicola Zamperetti will helm the hotel’s food and beverage offering as executive chef after holding the same position at W Rome and boasting Michelin-star experience in some of the most renowned restaurants in Europe.