In our home, the electrical system and the gas system (kitchen and boiler) are installed and controlled in compliance with local regulations and equipped with safety devices such as a circuit breaker and automatic closing valve of the gas in the stove if the flame is not present.
For additional safety equipment a fire extinguisher is positioned in the corridor and we have installed two CO and smoke detector near to the kitchen and the dining room.
If one of the detectors emits a continuous acoustic signal and a red alarm, it means that it is detecting a dangerous level of CO or smoke (the signal stops with manual reset or if the levels return to normal); in this case the following suggestions can be followed:
"LUXURY APARTMENT
SANTA CROCE"
Located in the historic district, the apartment overlooks the Santa Croce square, one of the most beatiful and popular squares in Florence.
Guest
6
Rooms
2
Bathrooms
2
THE APARTMENT
MAIN FACILITIES
Wi-fi
A.C.
Elevator
Heating
Kitchen
Laundry
Parking
LOCATION
The apartment is in the Santa Croce neighborhood—a historic and central location that is still full of vibrant local life. From the delicious restaurants to the breathtaking monuments, this home makes exploring the city easy and convenient.
ABOUT US
My name is Sergio, I was born and raised in Florence. I am interested in sports, to be in contact with nature, spend time with my family, restore old furniture, study art and history and learn about different cultures. I've always lived in Florence because it allows me to do all those things and while it is a city that keeps its history, beauty and its traditions, it is also open and welcoming to everbody
CONTACTS
WELCOME GUEST BOOK
"LUXURY APARTMENT
SANTA CROCE"
WELCOME!!
Dear Guests,
We would like to welcome you to our beautiful city. Our house will be yours during next days and this guest welcome book was created to provide you all the information you may need to feel at home and to get to know the surroundings, including our suggestions for restaurants and tours. In case you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
CLEANING PROTOCOLS
I am at your disposal for any further information or clarifications you may need regarding the cleaning procedures.
HOW TO ARRIVE
By train
If you arrive in Florence at the Santa Maria Novella train station you are already in the city centre. Piazza Stazione is also the main hub for all the different transport systems (tram, bus, taxi).
You can reach the apartment on foot (15 mins walking)
or go by taxi, a taxi stand is located in front of the terminal.
The other train stations in Florence are Campo di Marte and Rifredi, both are well-connected to Santa Maria Novella station.
By plane
Florence Airport is only 5 km from the city centre: To reach the city centre:
- TRAM: take the T2 Line to Santa Maria Novella train station. The tickets can be purchased at the vending machines, also with credit card.
- TAXI: the taxi stand is approximately 50 m down the road on the right hand side after the airport exit. Flat rate to city center is € 22; € 24 at weekends and on national holidays and € 25 at night.
By car
The apartment is located in the ZTL zone, i.e. a traffic restricted area monitored by cameras; cars without permit are subject to fines. We recommend to book parking in a garage: in that case you are sure to always have a parking spot and this will allow you to enter anytime.
The closest garage is Garage Bargello
CHECK-IN
• Tourist tax
the City of Florence has established the “tourist tax”; it is applied to non-residents’ overnight stays in the city for a maximum of 7 consecutive nights. The tax rate is 4 euro per person per night: if you did not already pay for it, we will collect it in cash.
Note: our Municipality have made arrangements with Airbnb: if you booked through Airbnb, the tax is already payed.
• Tourist lease
In Italy the non-professional tourist rent is in any case regulated by the law, which implies the stipulation of a contract; upon your arrival you will be asked to sign a contract written in Italian and English, indicating the period of your stay and the rental amount payed in Euro
EMERGENCY INFORMATIONS
POLICE STATIONS & HOSPITAL
HOUSE RULES
Welcome to our house, here is a kind reminder of the house rules. We really appreciate if you respect them.
• Out of respect for our present and future guests, smoking is not allowed inside the property.
• No parties.
• No overnight guests without prior approval from us (in any case, passports details are mandatory).
• Please open the door only to your visitors: if we need to enter in the apartment (for cleaning or maintenance reason) we will advise you in advance (if you have any doubts, please call us).
• If something should break, please let us know immediately - if it’s minor we usually won’t charge. If it’s a larger issue (e.g. the TV screen!) we would like to agree the cost with you before you leave to avoid any issues later.
• No pets.
• Check your email or Airbnb account during your stay: Sometimes it might happen that we need to get in touch with you.
LAUNDRY & KITCHEN
• The washer and dryer is located in the mezzanine
• To operate the machines, simply select the program you want, place the detergent, close the door, and hit start.
• There is a supply of detergent for your use located close to the machine , put one dose for every cycle directly inside with yourclothes
Useful vocabulary:
avvio = start
prelavaggio=prewasher
centrifuga = spin dryer
rinse= risciaquare
ammorbidente = softener
candeggina = bleach
Note: The broom, vacuum cleaner, iron & ironing board and dustpan & brush can be found in the closet close to corridor.
KITCHEN
• The Dishwasher: located next to the oven, you will find a supply of tablets below the sink.
• The Fridge/freezer: You should not need to adjust any settings. If it’s not cooling efficiently, please let us know.
• Induction Hob have relevant pot in the next drawers
• Elecric Oven is below the induction hob; to open it is necessary pull up the small safety flap.
• Coffee Machine works with Lavazza capsules; it’s simple: check water level behind, switch on, insert the capsula, put a cup under the machine, choose the small/medium/large coffee.
• Toaster, kettle and Microwaves Oven are positioned in the same area.
HEATING & COOLING
AIR CONDITIONING
Air cooling is obtained through an air conditioner, which can be controlled using the remote control.
During operation, please keep the windows closed, in order to guarantee maximum efficiency.
We recommend a setting of 22°C (72°F) which will keeps the place sufficiently cool in summertime
Radiators heating
Heating is produced by a gas boiler, regulated by a thermostat.
In the winter season, we recommend a setting of 20 ° C (68 ° F) for a comfortable warm environment
Note that in Florence the heating is allowed from 1st of November to 15th of April.
Air Conditioning
Cooling is produced by air conditioner. We recommend a setting of 20 ° C (68 ° F); you can ajust it with the remote control.
HOME POWER SUPPLY
In case of power failure, please note:
• a flash light is available in the kitchen
• A possible cause of power outage is the utilization of too many appliances at the same time, please disconnect one or more electrical appliances and try to put the circuit braker back online
For any additional information please call us.
SAFETY SYSTEMS
• open the windows to facilitate the change of air.
- if the smoke comes from food being cooked, or from the boiler, close the stove and / or main gas valve
- if the smoke comes from the electrical system, disconnect the main switch or the circuit breaker
- if possible, extinguish any open flames.
- if no smoke is detected (probable presence of CO), close the main gas valve.
• Leave the apartment until the acoustic signal stops and if necessary call the firefighters (115) or the ambulance (118), and call us as soon as you can.
Remember that at home you cannot smoke and for safety, please do not to leave open flames such as candles, kitchen stoves or the fire of the fireplace unattended
WHERE TO EAT
PLACES WHERE WE LOVE TO EAT
Here you will find our lists on restaurants, bars, pizza, fine-dining in Florence that we suggest to you: Some tips: remenber that in Italy tipping is not mandatory because there are a fixed service charge added on your bill, and we suggest to make a reservation some hours before.
DA QUEI GANZI
rustic environment, Tuscan cuisine both meat, and fish, delicious gilt sea bream all’isolana.
rosso vicino piazza, Via Ghibellina, 70, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
FISHING LAB
a very nice restaurant, specialized in fish, you will find also a good gluten free options
Via del Proconsolo, 16r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
DEL FAGIOLI
informal atmosphere, Tuscan cuisine, ribollita and steak
Corso dei Tintori, 47-red, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
CUCINA TORCICODA
elegant environment, Tuscan cuisine, good Florentine steak
Via Torta, 5/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
FRESCOBALDI
elegant environment, Tuscan cuisine, excellent fillet steak and tagliolini with truffles, wines from the Frescobaldi winery.
Piazza della Signoria, 31, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
GOLDEN VIEW
It is an excellent restaurant of pasta, meat, fish; we also like it for cocktails and the “apericena”.
Via de' Bardi, 58/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italia
LO SCHIACCIAVINO
Rustic environment but you can sit down, typical Tuscan ingredients such as meats and cheeses and sauces
Via Giuseppe Verdi, 6/red, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
ANTICO VINAIO
Famous on the web, excellent typical Tuscan ingredients and large portions.
Via dei Neri, 76R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
FINISTERRAE
Possibility to sit down, fast service, excellent choice of pastry
Piazza di Santa Croce, 12, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
LOGGIA DEGLI ALBIZI
possibility to sit down, excellent choice of pastry, to try the Bomboloni
borgo 37 50122, Borgo degli Albizi, 21, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
GELATERIA DE' NERI
So many tastes and all good: we love their icecream
Via dei Neri, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
GELATERIA SANTA TRINITA
A good ice cream in hand, and a nice view of the old bridge ...
Piazza Dei Frescobaldi, 8/red, 50125 Firenze FI, Italia
STAR BENE CAFE'
it’s a Gluten free café, and bakery
R, Via dei Neri, 13, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
QUINOA RESTAURANT
This restaurant is specialized in gluten free food, you could also find vegetarian and vegan dishes
Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia
VIVO
Fish dishes with gluten free options
9A/B, Largo Pietro Annigoni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
GROM GELATO
delicious ice cream, all his products are gluten free
Via del Campanile, 2, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
GARBAGE
SERVICES AND TRANSPORT
SERVICES
PHARMACY
ATM
PARKING
GARAGE BARGELLO
booking: www.fiparking. com/en/garage-bargello/
VIA GHIBELLINA 170/R 172/ r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
TRAM
There is 2 tram lines in Florence:
T2 connects SMN Central station to the Florence airport.
T1 connects the parking Villa Costanza in Scandicci (suburb of the city) with the city centre and the Hospital of Careggi.
You can buy tickets in the ticket vending machines, in every tram stop, (it accepts most of debit/credit cards), cafeterias, tobacconists and newsagents, from the ATAF desk inside the SMN train station.
Tickets must be immediately validated in the machines, as you get on board. A 90 minutes ticket costs € 1.50.
Note that in the tram it is not possibile to buy the tickets on board.
TRANSFER AND TUSCANY TOURS
CITY RULES
KIDS IN FLORENCE
In Florence, in our house, and also in every bar or restaurant in the city, children are welcome!
FAMILY TOURS
The municipality of Florence offers adults and children the opportunity to discover Florence, Palazzo Vecchio and even Fiesole through a game that includes an app and a kit;
Outside the city center, the Stibbert Museum has a large collection of antique armor and a beautiful garden.
GARDENS AND SQUARES
When you need to rest, you can find benches in Piazza Santa Croce. You can find a carousel horses in Piazza Repubblica; a small garden equipped with a slide in Borgo Allegri and one in Piazza d'Azeglio. The district of San Niccolò offers several green areas such as piazza Demidoff, San Niccolò tower, Giardino delle Rose, Piazzale Michelangelo. A beautiful, big park is Giardino di Boboli within the premises of Palazzo Pitti, an entrance fee is required. The biggest park in the city, out of historical centre, is Parco delle Cascine. Please note that there are public drinking fountains in almost all the city squares.
The Museum of Natural History was established in 1775 and was based on a botanical Garden commissioned in 1545 by Cosimo I dei Medici. Today there are three units that make up the Museum: ‘La Pira’, with the geo-paleontological and botanical collections; “Palazzo Nonfinito”, with the ethno-anthropological collections; ‘La Specola’, with the litho-mineralogical and the zoological collections.
LEONARDO DA VINCI MUSEUM
The museum offers each visitor a unique experience where the sensory perception and the knowledge of
“Leonardo” meet, giving visitors the sensation to be immersed in a history of extraordinary relevance. Forty machines invented by boundless genius of Leonardo da Vinci, all full size and running, are displayed inside the museum.
Young visitors can operate mechanisms and cranks, lift weights and even admire their image in a mirror room.
MAIN MUSEUMS
Florence is an open air museum city, were you can just walk and admire the history of architecture and the beauty of historical buildings, beautiful squares, stunning churches and romantic landscapes. We suggest to explore at least the Duomo square, Santa Croce square, San Lorenzo square, Santa Maria Novella square, Signoria square, Ponte Vecchio, Pitti square and take in the beautiful panoramic view from piazzale Michelangelo.
Florence is also a place where you can contemplate art masterpieces in the many Museums and Churches.
If it is your first time in Florence, we suggest to visit:
SHOPPING AND HANDCRAFT
ITALIAN FASHION
Since the thirteenth century Florence is famous for the arts, as for example the processing of leather, gold and ceramics. Thanks to Florence’s tradition for excellent craftsmanship and beauty, companies like Gucci and Ferragamo established here and other important Italian fashion companies such as Prada and Dolce & Gabbana have branches in Florence. In the streets of the city center, between via Calzaioli and via Tornabuoni, you can find the windows of the most important fashion brands. The high end fashion brands, both Italian as well as international, are also represented at The Mall, a major fashion design outlet about 30 km south of Florence.
LEATHER
If you are looking for leather bags, gloves or jackets, there are many shops and markets in the city where you can buy them even at low prices, however, if you want to buy a quality product made in Italy (or in Florence) it is better to contact those who, with its decades-long presence in the Florentine territory, guarantee their products; for example, in the district of Santa Croce, Bottega Fiorentina and Peruzzi, or others who give you the opportunity to see their craftsmen at work such as the School of Leather behind the church of Santa Croce, or Piero Tucci in the suburbs of Florence.
HANDCRAFT
The area around Ponte Vecchio is home to many goldsmith shops, some of which still preserve the art of hand-made Florentine-style jewelry, characterized by chasing and burin engraving; they can be recognized because they often have both the sale and the laboratory in the same place. In the San Frediano district there is a notable concentration of artisans who preserve ancient crafts such as tailor-made shoes, the gilding of the frames or the metalworking, while in the whole center we can find some ceramic shops, whose production is, as always, in the area of Montelupo, about 30km from Florence.
THE LOCALS: How to recognize a local
CITY PATRON EVENT - FUOCHI DI SAN GIOVANNI: He participates at the fireworks' show for the celebration of San Giovanni, the patron of the city: you can meet them on the evening of the 24th of June at dinner- parties organized with friends on terraces or standing in the streets along the Arno river in front of Piazzale Michelangelo where the fireworks take place.
HISTORICAL FOOTBALL FESTIVAL - CALCIO STORICO: He wears a blue, red, white or green t-shirt during the historic Florentine soccer tournament held in the Piazza di Santa Croce in June; the colors represent the districts of Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, San Frediano and San Giovanni.
EASTER PROCESSION - LO SCOPPIO DEL CARRO: You'll find the locals on Easter morning in front of the Duomo Cathedral at the fireworks show “scoppio del carro”, a religious-secular ceremony that had it’s origins in Florence at the end of the first crusade when the sacred fire, lit by some fragments of the Holy Sepulcher, was distributed in the city.
FLORENCE SOCCER TEAM - LA FIORENTINA: During the week-end many locals wear a violet t-shirt or accessory and watch the matches of the local football team Fiorentina either on TV or at the stadium. The supporters are very proud of “la Viola”, the name of the team in lingo, so beware of bad jokes - they are easily offended!
DAILY HABITS: in the morning you’ll find the locals standing at the bar counter having breakfast with cappuccino and cornetto or “bombolone”; at lunch time near the traditional food trucks eating panini with Lampredotto (is the stomach of a calf that is boiled for a long time with vegetables) and late night with --- friends standing in front of an anonymous door of a hidden bakery, eating fresh pastries after a dance evening!
CHARACTER: They gather in a rowdy groups: in fact locals like to joke and make fun of their friends. They also like to be controversial about really anything, whether it being serious or frivol matters, so you may happen to meet someone who looks angry and who speaks loudly; but do not worry, the Florentines have a sincere character and so, after the controversy, it’s business as usual: friends - or enimies - just like before!
SHORT HISTORY OF FLORENCE
500 b.c. - THE ETRUSCANS
The Etruscans arrive in the plain of Florence going up the Arno with their boats. They settled on the hill of Fiesole and near the river were they built a bridge; near the current Ponte Vecchio.
50 b.c. - ROMANS AND FLORENTIA
With the expansion of Rome towards northern Italy, with the aim of giving houses and lands to the veterans, the Florentia colony was established, closed by walls, with a central square (now Piazza Repubblica), a river port, an amphitheater; today only the latter is recognizable as a semi-circle within the current Via Torta, Piazza Peruzzi and Piazza Santa Croce. The first churches in Florence were San Lorenzo and Santa Felicita in 300, then the Baptistery and Santa Reparata.
1400 - RENAISSANCE AND MEDICI
At the end of the 1300's in Florence, inspired by Francesco Petrarca, Humanism was born and from this, in the early 1400s, the Renaissance inspired by the masters such as Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio, to continue with Michelangelo and Botticelli. This period coincided with the rise to power of the Medici dynasty, first with Giovanni, then with Piero and then with his son Lorenzo "the Magnificent" who was a writer and important politician. The Medici ruled Florence until 1737.
1100 - THE MEDIEVAL
In the period of the city-republics, in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, despite the war between the opposing Florentine factions of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, the development of trade and credit was the basis of a strong economic, demographic and religious expansion: the Corporations were born and between 1250 and 1300 the Palazzo della Signoria, the Cathedral of the Duomo, a new circle of walls and the church of Santa Maria Novella, of Santo Spirito, and the Basilica of Santa Croce were built.
1800 - FLORENCE CAPITAL OF ITALY
After the Medici dynasty, Tuscany was governed by the French-Austrian dynasty of Lorena until 1859; Florence then annexed to unified Italy, of which it was the capital from 1865 to 1870. In these years the face of the city was changed with the construction of the avenue “viale dei Colli” and Piazzale Michelangelo and with the destruction of the walls of the 1300s to build the avenues “di circonvallazione” and the area of the old market (to make room for Piazza della Repubblica)
1900 - FLORENCE TODAY
In 1944 the retreating German army blew up all the bridges of Florence except Ponte Vecchio. In 1966 Florence suffered a disastrous flood of the Arno river from which it recovered thanks to the "mud angels", people who came from all over the world to help. Florence today is a concentration of unique history, culture and beauty and I hope that with the respect and the help of everyone, continue to be a long time the meeting place and emotion for the thousands of people who come there every day from Worldwide.
