A hotel in the centre of Florence, the perfect location for exploring the centre and its surroundings

Hotel in the centre of Florence

Hotel Cosmos, a hotel in the centre of Florence, a stone’s throw from the Fortezza da Basso, the ideal gateway to this stunning city. From here you can set off to visit Florence along its lovely avenues and streets. Our staff at the desk will help you locate all the places that would most interest you, tell you what’s going on in the city and help you organize each stage of your tailor-made trip.

Leave the majestic fortress behind and set out to discover romantic alleys, hidden little gardens and authentic boutiques. In minutes, you’ll find yourself gazing in awe at the works of the world’s greatest artists. You’ll also be able to savour the signature dishes of the Tuscan gastronomic tradition and discover magical views and intriguing locations not to be found in any tourist guide. Allow yourself a few days for exploring San Gimignano, Volterra, Greve in Chianti or Montefioralle, steep yourself in places rich in history, on a stylish, flavour-packed adventure.

San Lorenzo Market

Piazza San Lorenzo is the go-to place for getting to know the real Florence. Here you can visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo, built to a design by Filippo Brunelleschi, as well as the Medici Chapels, the burial place of the noble Florentine family. Here you can discover Michelangelo’s incredible works, the allegories of Dawn, Day, Twilight and Night, framing the sarcophagi of Giuliano Duke of Nemours and Lorenzo Duke of Urbino. Near the Basilica is the San Lorenzo Market, with open-air stalls where you can find clothes, belts, wallets, and all manner of leather goods, novelty items and souvenirs. No visit is complete without seeing the Central Market, a one-of-a-kind place where you can sample traditional and innovative foods and be amazed at the stunning array of spices, wines, cheeses and traditional dishes.

Accademia Gallery

Michelangelo fans should not miss this museum: here you’ll make the acquaintance of David and the “prisoners”, the statues that were to support the funeral monument of Pope Julius II, the earliest examples of Michelangelo’s “unfinished” work. Along with his works, you can admire those of Bartolini, Lorenzo Monaco, Botticelli and others. In addition to the masterpieces, including sculpture and paintings, you can also visit the exhibition of musical instruments, which will guide you through the centuries and the evolution of music from the time of the Medici court.

Selfie Museum

1000 sqm of settings, immersive installations and scenarios created by over 400 artists from all over the world. An exciting new way of experiencing art: being part of it. Have fun wandering around the museum, admiring and interacting with the artworks, taking photographs and one-off selfies.

The Artists’ Palace

The Palazzo is a place of unique historical importance, still today a hub for artists of various kinds (graphic designers, photographers, 3D management, architects and interior designers) from all over the world. In addition to having hosted well-known figures from the arts, its walls have seen the creation of fascinating, priceless works, such as Arnold Böcklin’s “Isle of the Dead”. Be enthralled by the solemn atmosphere of this Pompeian red palace and the striking silhouettes that come to life through its tall windows, not far from Hotel Cosmos.

Orthodox Church

Less than 1 km from the Fortezza da Basso, concealed among various Florentine palazzi by lush vegetation and a high wrought-iron gate, soar the blue and gold spires of the Russian Orthodox Church, whose crosses tower overhead, standing out stark against the sky. A place as impressive as it is evocative, imbued with spirituality and history. A veritable jewel of 19th-century architecture, with its floral and oriental heraldry, it is an unmissable destination for any tourist keen to see Florence and its surroundings.

Alice’s Masks

Watch people breathe life into mask and share fascinating, intriguing secrets. In Via Faenza, just a few steps from the Santa Maria Novella station, you can discover the identity behind the most iconic characters from plays, films, cultural festivals and Venetian masks. Inside the atelier of Agostino Dessì, craftsman and sculptor, and his daughter Alice, you can admire unique examples of their collection and take part in workshops to learn how to make your own mask from A to Z, one of the many fun activities Florence offers.