Services

This convent is operated by the Art Hotel Villa Agape for the Suore Stabilite nella Carita.

A grand Tuscan villa presenting imposing spaces, original architectural features blended with beautifully presented and spacious rooms and guest facilities. Overlooking an open and peaceful garden setting.

On request, the guest house provides guests with a shuttle service to and from the city center. The small chapel, with a loggia, at the back, welcomes anyone who wants to spend a few restful hours.

Breakfast is included in the price. Lunch and Dinner available, book with the reception.

Features

Large timber vaulted ceilings within the villa create light filled spaces that feature ornate stone staircases and fireplaces. Outside the exquisite manicured gardens in an Italian/English style surround the villa creating a peaceful retreat for guests.

Getting Around

In the heart of the Viale de'Colli hills overlooking Florence. The foothills on the south side of the river with easy access to the city. Bus stops close by for local and surrounding locations.

Villa Agape offers its guests a free shuttle service (09:00-22:00) from and to Michelangelo Square and the old town (Porta San Miniato and Piazza Mentana, near Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace, Boboli Garden, Forte Belvedere, Uffizi, Piazza Signoria, Duomo and Santa Croce). The service is offered on request, with no scheduled times.  

History

With origins in the Middle Ages (late 1400's), the house was rebuilt in its present form by Giulio de Filippo Arrighetti in 1602. Arrighetti was friendly with the scientist Galileo, who retired to Arcetri, effectively under house arrest after the condemnation of his theories. A plaque on the wall commemorates their friendship.It was later owned by the Duchess Anna of Orleans, who developed both the residence and gardens to that recognised today. She then bequeathed the villa to the Sisters and their hospitable and charitable works.

The Sisters have now brought in private management in 2015 to extend the service and offering of Villa Agape.  

Customer Reviews

	Amazing location. Staff all so friendly and helpful. Loved strolling the peaceful gardens after a chaotic day in the center of crowded Florence. And the restaurant availability in the evening was a bonus. Food was excellent. Would stay again.
Mary - ME, United States (April 2023)

	An absolute pleasure because of former private Villa setting, exquisite gardens, excellent restaurant and private terrace. At a very reasonable price.
Francesco - NY, United States (November 2021)

	What a tremendous value and joy to stay at Villa Agape. Leonardo, Matteo, Federico, Ambo, and Luca worked as a team, providing outstanding customer service. The staff's attention to detail and willingness to answer questions and accommodate requests was particular impressive. I see now why Villa Agape builds such goodwill among travellers. Thank you!
Michael - GA, United States (May 2019)

	My stay was so wonderful! The staff was very helpful to me, gave suggestions for places to eat, things to do and the shuttle service is a great bonus.
Meg - NJ, United States (November 2016)

	Staff very helpful. Breakfast buffet was very good. Shuttle service to three spots very helpful.
Kathleen - MI, United States (October 2016)

	My room has a beautiful view. They have a lovely garden. Many choices of food for breakfast. Staff are courteous. I just don't think that the rooms are soundproof but earplugs do help.
Vivian - , Singapore (October 2016)

	So serene and peaceful, love that it is ~27 minutes walking distance south of Ponte Vecchio. I walked into town daily during my 4 night stay, it was perfect location! Breakfast was a feast and the staff was professional, attentive and helpful. I would stay here again most definitely! One night there was a thunderstorm that rolled in just as I came back from town, it was glorious to watch it from my third story room with the large window open! The grounds are gorgeous as well.
Brenda - TX, United States (October 2016)

	Villa Agape is perfect, beautiful surroundings complimented by wonderful accomodating staff. This was truly a unique stay and I would highly recommend Villa Agape to anyone. You get to stay in the beauty of Firenze countryside while only 10 minutes drive out of the city centre. Perfect in every way.
Romina - QLD, Australia (September 2016)

	Far from the main town, but worth it to stay here as it's beautiful. Shuttle service is a big plus. Delicious breakfast with fresh squeezed juice. Just wish I had stayed an extra day.
Wanda - Ontario, Canada (June 2016)

	I thought the Villa Agape was excellent. The setting was beautiful and the service was first class. I could not find fault.
John Paul - Leicestershire, United Kingdom (April 2016)

	An exceptional value
Frank - CA, USA (October 2015)

	This was an oasis of calm and quiet, for being so close to the city. Secure parking within the walled perimeter. Both breakfast and supper were available, and both were excellent and well worth taking, especially as there are no cafes or restaurants nearby. A short 10-minute walk will take you to a main road where you can catch a bus to the city center (much preferable to driving, as the traffic and parking are nightmares!). The nuns did not speak any English. A truly enjoyable place to stay. We would definitely stay there again, if in Florence.
Stephen - British Columbia, Canada (September 2014)

	This was our first stay at a monastery for a vacation. I must say, we will never use a hotel again if a monastery is available. The grounds were impeccable, the rooms wonderfully appointed, the Sisters were amazing. Even though we had a language barrier, we still worked around it. Oh and last, but certainly not least, the food was absolutely delicious and abundant.
James - CA, United States (May 2014)

	Absolutely beautiful place to stay. The room had a wonderful view, was very quiet, a great choice for a single traveller. Everyone was pleasant as well. I loved the views and the peacefulness. Would stay there again if I ever return to Florence.
Jane - NY, United States (September 2013)

	The convent, the rooms and grounds are beyond wonderful, the nuns are so kind, and the atmosphere is lovely. Everyone had a splendid time. I have recommended it to several people already, and could hardly endorse it enough.
Imogen - Herts, United Kingdom (September 2012)

	We loved this place. You definitely do best with a car as the bus service, though it goes to the door, is infrequent.
Andrew - OR, United States (April 2012)

	We really enjoyed it. Thanks. Only one suggestion: it would have been very useful to have some basic information on arrival - none of the nuns spoke English so we never sure of exactly what we should or should not do. The food was excellent. Gardens superb. Would like to return.
G H - Carmarthenshire, United Kingdom (October 2011)

	First class, wonderful villa. Food prepared by nuns was spectacular. Location was a plus in terms of quiet and solitude, a minus in terms of access to Florence - involved major hiking to get into town, but our students adapted easily to it. The curfew was a minor problem, but the nuns were flexible in allowing us to come in up to an hour later. A great value, wonderful accommodation, warm and friendly nuns.
David - NC, USA (May 2011)

	I was travelling alone and had a wonderful experience. At breakfast and dinner I met other travellers b/c the sisters seat you w/ other solo travellers. The villa is located in an exclusive and safe area of Florence. The sisters are concerned about the welfare of each guest.
Kimberly - AL, United States (April 2011)

	The building, the garden the warm atmosphere the excellent food.
Hans - , Sweden (April 2010)

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