Services

This convent is operated by the Suore di San Giovanni Battista.

A stunningly restored and beautifully maintained Renaissance villa in true Tuscan style. Period furnishings, high vaulted timber ceilings throughout the opulent hallways and sitting rooms.Each guest room has fine individualised style. Large windows open onto a magnificent surrounding park of trees, statues and paths.

Sunday mass available at 6.45am and 8.00am.

Breakfast is included in the price. There are many dining options within walking distance of the venue.

Features

The ceilings of this beautiful villa, are adorned with the period fresco paintings and 18th century lighting reflecting the brief era when Florence was the capital of Italy.

Getting Around

South-east of the historic center of Florence. City with easy access. Bus and train stops for local and surrounding locations.  

History

This grand estate has been a residence for hundreds of years. The property was bought from the Baron Del Pugliese, then by Quercioli and finally from Pacchioli. The house was requisitioned during WWII, finally used as local Allied command. Left in a state of disrepair it was aquired by the Sisters and lovingly restored to it's Renaissance grandeur, incorporating their local primary school and nursery in the adjacent property.  

Customer Reviews

	Palatial building, beautiful grounds and in a quiet area of Florence. Single rooms with ensuite facilities were perfect, comfortable and safe for two single women.
Sheila - , United Kingdom (May 2024)

	Lovely, relaxing, beautiful place for my two month stay. I loved waking up to the sounds of birds chirping through my garden window. I had a small, clean room with private bathroom. The nuns are kind and helpful . Beautiful marble staircases. Italians learn the languages of the arts ( Latin, Greek) so learn a few Italian phrases before you go. Close to local restaurants , shops, outdoor cafes.
Wendy Enger - FL, United States (April 2024)

	VMB is a beautiful spot on the edge of Florence. The gardens are a haven and the sisters kind. We booked a double room but were given a choice between the room we booked (which was upstairs and not air-conditioned) and a twin room that had aircon and was cooler. Florence was 35C the week we were there. So, we chose the cool and pushed the beds together but it wasn't quite what we'd hoped.
Rev. - SA, Australia (May 2022)

	We were very impressed with the beautiful garden and grounds and the elegant grand rooms. Breakfast included freshly baked croissants, make by the Sisters especially for the guests. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and went to Mass at the church across the street. The Sisters are gracious hosts and it is easy to use the local buses to get to the center of town and all of the wonderful sights of Florence. I highly recommend staying at this peaceful, romantic setting. I plan to return again.
Benjamin - CA, United States (July 2019)

	In this stay, I felt like I was living well. The entire house is beautiful and the room was spacious and clean. The sisters treated us like guests in their home. I highly recommend this stay.
MaryAnne - OH, United States (May 2019)

	Highly recommended. Our room and bathroom were spacious, clean, and nicely appointed. The sisters were hospitable and they run a good operation. Breakfast was a great start to the day. We enjoyed exploring the building and the grounds and found it easy to walk or use public transit to arrive at our tourist destinations.
Michelle - AE, United States (January 2019)

	The Villa is beautiful and has a lovely garden area. The Sisters are friendly. The beds were good. The breakfast is marginal.
Kristen - CA, United States (June 2018)

	Villa Merlo Bianco is a marvelous place to stay when visiting Florence! There is safe/off-street parking where we left our rental car. We walked just a few blocks to take the bus into the center of Florence. The Villa itself is beautiful and very well-kept. There are lovely gardens, and the hospitality of the sisters there was above and beyond. We will certainly visit again!
Amy - NY, United States (July 2017)

	We loved the garden on the property, and the fact that it was right on the edge of the city - a ploughed field through the back gate. We appreciated the fresh croissants on the weekends, and the yoghurt.
Lyn - Victoria, Australia (June 2017)

	The ambiance was beautiful and peaceful. Lovely views from our window. The Sisters were so loving and helpful. I loved the chapel on site. I enjoyed being slightly away from the crowds and a 30 minute walk from all the attractions.
Maureen - WA, United States (May 2017)

	We had an amazing time at Villa Merlo Bianco. The sisters gave us a very warm welcome and showed us the rooms. The beds were very comfortable, our rooms were very clean and we had this beautiful view over the large garden. It was such a great property in a peaceful surrounding, just a little bit outside of town, but very easy to reach by bus and we loved it. The breakfast were lovely with a great variety of cold meat, one day cheese platter, different fruit juices, yogurt, different type of bread, tea & coffee or hot chocolate etc. We (3 people from Switzerland and 2 from Australia) were having the best holiday together. The local restaurant in walking distance was very good value and the food was very delicious. The sisters were very caring and friendly and looked after us. It was hard to say good bye after 5 days. I am sure we will be back one day. The Villa Merlo Bianco offers you a memorable stay we can highly recommend this peaceful house.
Helen - , Switzerland (August 2016)

	The Sisters were very helpful and kind. My room was lovely, comfortable with a big window that I loved, looking out on wonderful grounds. Bathroom was great. The room was quiet and I slept wonderfully. I would definitely stay there again when I go to Florence. As a woman traveling alone, I felt very comfortable, safe and well taken care of at Villa Merlo Bianco.
Lin Florinda - CA, United States (June 2016)

	The rooms were comfortable and the cleanest we've seen on this holiday.The sisters were very sweet and even though they couldn't speak English we managed to get everything straight. The venue is quiet and the monastery itself was beautiful and amazing. A very unique experience we would stay here again.
Gary - Alberta, Canada (September 2015)

	Villa Merlo Bianco is an oasis, near to the centro but quiet and restful, especially the large garden.
Milton - CA, United States (June 2015)

	Wonderful building, gardens and rooms. Good breakfast. Even with no Italian, easy to communicate with our hosts.
Daniele - Quebec, Canada (May 2015)

	I cannot say enough about the entire Villa, just like a museum and we loved it. The gardens are breathtaking. Our first experience and it was wonderful. Firenze is a lovely area to vacation in!
John - MD, United States (July 2014)

	We enjoyed our stay at the Villa.It was very quiet and the bed and pillows were very comfortable The sister were very nice but could not speak english. We managed just the same to understand each other but with difficulties. The rooms is very clena.
Suzanne - Quebec, Canada (May 2014)

	A very pleasant surprise. Service was outstanding and the place is beautiful and peaceful.
Luis - AZ, United States (April 2014)

	Sisters were very pleasant. No lift to carry heavy bags on second floor. Average breakfast. Bus stop was near to the hotel.
Leslie - Kuwait, Kuwait (April 2013)

	The sisters were helpful and friendly. Breakfast was ok. We felt very welcome and would always come again. Thank you.
Karin - , Germany (April 2013)

	The nun that looked after us was lovely. It was a very pleasant place to stay.
Susan - Queensland, Australia (July 2012)

	I felt like we were staying in a castle. It was very serene, peaceful and overwhelmingly beautiful! We stayed 4 days & loved it. It was convenient & there was no curfew, which was very nice. They made us feel special.
Rosie - TX, United States (March 2011)

	Very quiet and peaceful of course.
christine - Colorado, usa (August 2009)

	Friendly staff and good value in a special and different kind of place. The property and building were very special.
Remo - NJ, United States (September 2008)

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