Florence, the beautiful regional capital of Tuscany in Italy, has long been a popular destination for tourists. Renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture, and the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, the city has now added a rediscovered treasure to its long list of attractions.
For almost 400 years the former thermal day spa of the all-powerful Medici family lay hidden, until it was unearthed following diligent research by a Florentine estate agent, Gianni Ristori.
The Medici Family were the city’s long-term rulers from the 13th to the 17th century and, to help cement their influence throughout Tuscany and Italy, also acted as bankers to the Pope. Their impressive private spa was the talk of continental Europe as far back as the early 13th century, when people of influence across Europe clamoured to obtain an invite. It was definitely the hottest ticket of the era.
Elaborate fountains and grottos dotted throughout beautiful gardens were collectively known as the Orti Oricellari, which soon developed into a magnet for every powerful and influential Italian. The list of those who experienced the rejuvenating effects of the Orti Oricellari included Pope Leo X and Machiavelli, who even credited the spa as a place where his political thought was influenced and refined.
But the Orti Oricellari’s real heyday was during the 17th century when it was transformed into a spectacular luxury spa featuring intricate frescoes from Greek mythology, with elaborately decorated arches, colonnades and niches collecting water dispensed from the mouths of sculpted dolphins. However, with the fall of the Medici family’s influence it became neglected, fell into disrepair and was eventually subdivided and sold off in parcels during subsequent centuries.
After acting on a combination of gut instinct and a little research, Ristori bought an unremarkable building that had been used as a garage since WWII. Soon afterwards it was confirmed as the lost spa of the Medici family by the office of cultural affairs.
Following an extensive four-year restoration Ristori has turned the lost spa into one of the most exclusive spa hotels in Florence; a retreat at which guests can revel in over 800 years of history, as well as enjoying sumptuous surroundings.
As well as the restoration of original features such as the spectacular fresco of Icarus, Ristori has overseen other extensive repairs and taken preventative measures to stop the decay of the restored features by the spa’s mineral salts. Original features such as a spiral staircase dating back to the 13th century provide a spectacular entry to the mezzanine area of the rejuvenated spa, successfully blending the best of modern-day facilities with the 800 years of history and giving tourists yet another reason to visit the fantastic city of Florence.
Disclaimer: Matthew Pressman writes for a wide variety of commercial clients. This article is intended for information purposes only and readers should seek additional information before taking any actions based on its content.
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