Stories
The Bernini Palace is like a book.
A diary which collects fragments of life, from Hollywood stars to passing travellers, with many pages still to be written. It is also a hub for the cultural events which bring the city to life.
Above all, it is a place of stories: the most interesting ones can be found in this blog.
Style & Culture
Amongst historic rooms, frescoed ceilings and the Renaissance atmosphere which permeates every space, the Bernini Palace offers a unique way to experience Italian beauty.
This section contains stories, anecdotes and suggestions weaving together art, elegance and culture, revealing the authentic spirit of the palazzo and its deep links with the city of Florence.
Season’s Greetings from the Bernini Pala
“Christmas is coming, the holiday that more than any other celebrates the pleasure of being together. This is why I wish to thank all our guests for the special moments we have shared.” Franco Vanetti, General Manager of the Duetorrihotels Group, invites readers of the blog to see out 2022 by thinking back to their favourite moments at the Bernini Palace in Florence. “We’ve come a long way togethe…
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A Tailor-made Christmas
Lights, street markets, the smell of cakes and confectionery, and glittering shop windows – no doubt about it, Christmas is on its way. And we’re getting ready to celebrate with our loved ones, relatives and colleagues. We asked Doris Pauket of the Bernini Palace Reservation Department for advice on how to make this time of year special.
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The “faces” of the restaurant
Together, the three of them can boast a total of sixty years practising their profession. For manager David Foschi, waiters Marusca Cheli, Bartolo Bacciotti and Federica Serra are the mainstays of the hotel, a guarantee of service quality and client care. Their ability to establish a rapport with guests from all over the world transforms a breakfast, lunch or a dinner into a special experience, on…
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A look behind the scenes
Andrea Bischeri is one of the linchpins of this 5-star hotel in Florence. He checks every accounting and fiscal detail with inflexible precision, and he’s a vital cog in the organisational and management machinery. But for him the hotel is much more than a workplace: after career spanning 36 years, it really has become a second family.
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A glance behind the counter
He arranges shifts and purchases, he supervises menus and meetings, and he’s also the Bernini Palace’s Beverage sector quality manager. His name is Franco Crepaldi and he’s a vital cog in the Florentine 5-star hotel’s machine. Here’s what he told us about his job.
DISCOVER MOREDestination
The Bernini Palace is the ideal choice for getting to know Florence: a privileged observation point in the heart of the city, a short distance from Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
It is the starting point for discovering iconic museums, Renaissance churches, historic palazzi, artisan boutiques and gourmet experiences which recount centuries of art, culture and tradition.
Here you will find inspirations, itineraries and tips for experiencing Florence through the eyes of those who truly know it, amongst timeless masterpieces and authentic corners still to be discovered.
Art & Culture Tour
This journey through Tuscan art and culture begins with a rich and revitalising Breakfast at the Bernini Palace Parliament Hall. Once a venue for parliament and senate sessions during the Kingdom of Italy, the hall features a splendid frescoed ceiling.
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Shopping Tour
Florence is home to the most famous Italian designer brands, as well as a wide range of artisan products, such as gold jewellery, leather and hide clothing and accessories, making it renowned throughout the world for its arts and trades.
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Food & Wine Tour
Flavour reigns supreme on this sensory journey of discovery through the aromas of Tuscan cuisine. From Florence to Chianti: every single part of the region is brimming with delicious discoveries of flavour and tradition.
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Kids Tour
A day in the great outdoors, in contact with nature, just what you need to relax with your children. Why not visit an actual farm? This route, designed for children, offers the chance for you to discover Fattoria di Maiano, just 5 km from the centre of Florence.
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Sport Tour
A holiday dedicated to sport and entertainment: Bernini Palace is the perfect starting point and Florence the ideal venue! There is no shortage of leisure opportunities in the Tuscan capital, a perfect destination for all sports enthusiasts.
DISCOVER MOREExperiences
A stay at the Bernini Palace is much more than just a hospitality experience: it is an invitation to immerse yourself in the history and art of Florence.
Amongst guided tours of the great museums, tastings of Tuscan wines and itineraries in the surrounding hills, every experience is designed to reveal the most authentic side of the city.
This section brings together the proposals and partnerships which make every stay unique and memorable.
Sales Manager Interview
She knows every detail of the hotel, she interfaces with all its teams, and she’s the contact person for guests and travel agencies. Here Elena Antonini, sales manager and deputy manager of the Bernini Palace, tells us how she lives her profession behind the scenes.
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The manager speaks
Behind the scenes at Florence’s five-star hotel is an ever-present figure, the manager, who is the pillar of the whole place. David Foschi tells us about his profession, the secrets, the tricks of the trade and the anecdotes.
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Hotel’s partners and members
The Bernini Palace in Florence, a treasure trove of art and history with lots of stories to tell, offers guests an immersive experience in the heart of the city. All this is possible thanks to the hotel’s strong ties with the local area and collaboration with the most important national and international partners. Today we discover how the Bernini works with a great many associations and bodies to…
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Bernini Palace tours
In Florence every stone, every bridge, every building tells a story. Figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Lorenzo De' Medici, Michelangelo, Donatello, Machiavelli and even Dante have spent the most creative years of their lives here.. The city is comparable to a treasure chest, surrounded by hills that seem painted by an artist. The Bernini Palace, in the heart of the historic center, has created va…
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In the footsteps of Dante
Think of the city of Florence and you immediately think of Dante. Especially if you’re staying at the Bernini Palace, in the heart of the city. Beside the entrance to the hotel, there’s even a marble plaque with two lines from Canto XVI of Paradiso, the third book of the Divine Comedy. “Nel piccol cerchio s’entrava per porta che si nomava da que’ della Pera”: “One entered the small circuit by a ga…
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The Bernini Palace’s cuisine is a journey through taste, culture and identity. Every creation interprets Tuscan culinary tradition with contemporary sensibilities, exploiting ingredients, in-season produce and the local area.
A tale of flavours, recipes and stories which transform the Bernini Palace experience into a fully-fledged culinary journey.
A typical dessert: Zuccotto
The Florentine Zuccotto is a historical delicacy that has its roots in the time of the Medici family, captivating the palates of generations with its rich tradition and unique flavour.
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Tuscan Crostini
The recipe for Tuscan crostini has very ancient origins. Historians testify that this dish was already present in the banquets of the Romans many centuries ago. During the famous lucullian dinners, fish and meat were served on plates or trays, from which diners took at their leisure the various dishes. The slices of bread were used to take in comfort oils, sauces or small pieces of minced meat, gi…
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Tuscan cuisine and "Pici"
Pici are a typical product of Tuscan regional cuisine. They are a type of pasta similar to a rustic spaghetti that is made with water, flour and oil.
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Tortelli alla Mugellana
“Tortelli alla mugellana” are an excellent first course made with fresh pasta and stuffed with flavored potatoes, typical of Mugello, an area in the province of Florence.
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Discovering Tuscan cuisine
The manager of the Bernini Palace David Foschi knows his hotel’s every secret. Starting from the cooking, the pride and joy of a hospitality package that offers the very best of Tuscany, a region of great wines and authentic flavours. Today, in the company of journalist Savina Confaloni, the manager takes us into the building to discover the gourmet fare of the restaurant, “La Chiostrina”, housed…
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