Lungarno Collection debuts Palazzo Ottaviani in Florence’s Santa Maria Novella, expanding from four to fourteen luxury apartments. Blending historic elegance with modern design, each residence offers refined comfort, cultural connection, and a unique way to experience the heart of Florence—just steps from iconic landmarks and rich Italian heritage.
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In the heart of Florence’s historic Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, sits the newest addition of Lungarno Collections’ Florentine portfolio. The essence of the city is perfectly captured within ten refined apartments, blending historic charm with modern elegance. We spoke with Valeriano Antonioli, CEO of Lungarno Collection & Portrait Collection, to learn more.
With Palazzo Ottaviani, Lungarno Collection continues to elevate its vision of luxury hospitality, managed by Hotel Lungarno. Expanding from four to fourteen residences, this growth reflects not just an increase in properties, but a deepening of our long-standing relationship with Florence.
Designed for short stays, Palazzo Ottaviani’s apartments embody a refined balance between the city’s historical charm and the comfort and sophistication of contemporary living. From the very beginning, Lungarno Collection has aimed to stand apart from conventional hospitality offerings. Our mission is to create distinctive, meaningful experiences that transcend traditional standards. With Palazzo Ottaviani, we reaffirm our philosophy, offering a type of hospitality that forges authentic connections with the city and its culture, just as we ourselves experience it.
This new addition expands our ability to welcome guests who seek privacy, independence, and the unmistakable touch of Italian luxury.
Located at the intersection of Via del Palazzuolo and Via dei Fossi, just steps from Santa Maria Novella, Palazzo Ottaviani offers guests direct access to the heart of Florence. With the city’s Renaissance heritage as its backdrop, the property serves as an elegant gateway to local life, history, and art.
Here, guests don’t just visit Florence- they live it. Whether stepping out to explore cultural landmarks or enjoying moments of peace within the apartments’ serene interiors, guests find themselves immersed in an experience that feels both authentic and personal.
Designed by Luigi Fragola Architects, the interiors at Palazzo Ottaviani pay homage to Florence’s artistic lineage while embracing a bold, modern spirit. The design draws from the clean geometries of 1940s Rationalism, infused with the elegance of Art Deco, resulting in a dialogue between historical influence and contemporary aesthetics.
Breaking away from traditional neo-classical expectations, the design celebrates a lesser-known but equally vibrant chapter of 20th-century Italian creativity. With premium materials, a refined palette of neutrals accented by blue and gold, and exceptional attention to detail, the atmosphere reflects an international sensibility- elegant, functional, and timeless.
Palazzo Ottaviani is the realization of a lifelong dream by the Marchese di San Giuliano, an aesthete and art lover, who spent nearly four decades creating one of Europe’s largest model railways- now housed in the HZERO Museum located on the ground floor of the building. A tribute to movement, exploration, and wonder, these values come alive once again through a unique hospitality concept.
His children- Diego, Giulia, and Maria di San Giuliano- have embraced this vision, overseeing a restoration that honors both the spirit and history of the space. Original architectural elements have been carefully preserved, including symbolic details like the peacock motif on the building’s façade, ensuring the palazzo remains a bridge between past and present.
Palazzo Ottaviani features ten exclusive apartments, each crafted with impeccable Italian design and a strong sense of individuality. The collection is thoughtfully curated to meet a variety of guest preferences, from solo travelers to families or groups seeking privacy and refinement.
At the heart of the residence is its flagship penthouse- a three-bedroom jewel with a 145 m² panoramic terrace offering sweeping views of Florence.
Each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, separate living area, and interiors ranging in size from 46 m² to 200 m². Every unit is distinct in layout and decor, unified by high-end finishes and sophisticated styling. The portfolio includes:
With their elegant design and tailored functionality, these residences offer a rare opportunity to experience Florence with the comfort of home and the sophistication of a private suite.
The interiors at Palazzo Ottaviani strike a careful balance between tradition and innovation. Rather than replicating historical styles, the design evokes a sense of heritage through subtle references- refined lines, harmonious proportions, and a muted, sophisticated color palette- creating an atmosphere that feels deeply rooted yet refreshingly current.
Comfort is integrated seamlessly, with thoughtfully zoned spaces, high-quality finishes, and an intuitive layout that prioritizes ease of living. The decor speaks to a contemporary sensibility, while the overall ambiance pays quiet tribute to Florence’s enduring elegance. It’s this interplay of restraint and richness, simplicity and sophistication, that allows guests to feel both transported and entirely at home.
