Special Places in Italy
Grand Hotel Villa Cora, 5*, Florence
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| The Villa Cora, as it is called
today, was originally Villa Oppenheim, built by Baron Oppenheim in honour of
his beautiful wife during the period when Florence was the Capital of Italy
(1865/1870). This fascinating residence in pure Neoclassic style was the
object of admiration for the grandeur and richness of its eclectic-style
interior decoration. Villa Cora was then chosen as a residence by the ex-Emperess
Eugenia, widow of Napoleon III. Other important people lived at Villa Cora,
for example the very rich Baroness Von Meek with whom Pietrtlich Ciaikowsky
corresponded for many years and who were bound by a sentimental relationship
originating from their common passion for music. The great Russian composer
also moved to Florence and went to live very near to the Baroness Von Meek.
The Villa is situated on the Viale dei Colli in the part named after
Machiavelli; a foreign writer defined it thus: the most beautiful villa in
Florence on the most beautiful street in the world. In recent years the work
of restoration and restructuring of the villa was started to prepare for its
present use as a hotel. The furnishings have mostly been specially made
following original drawings, but many are authentic period and antique
pieces both can be found in the halls and in the apartments. Every apartment
has at least one antique piece and often more than one. All rooms, of
course, have all up-to-date modern comforts.
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