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A 17th-century wardrobe turned into a headboard. An original 4 x 2.5 meter movie poster of Amori di mezzo secolo from 1954. A framed Redshirt from the days of Italy’s unification. A font based on those of Giambattista Bodoni, creator of the modern typography. These are the touches of genius we’ve come to know belong to hotelier and Florentine local Matteo Perduca. As with the rest of his impressive portfolio–among them AdAstra and Oltrarno Splendid–Perduca’s eye for decorative detail is second to none–and this time, it’s put to the theme of Italianità, with all furnishing and ornamentation designed to tell the story of Italy. 

It’s therefore fitting that the building itself, on the glamorous Via de’ Tornabuoni, contains a healthy dose of history; built at the end of the 16th-century by Giorgio Vasari, the most renowned architect at the time, the palazzo was inhabited by the noble Corsi family. Matteo has converted the second floor into this boutique hotel with 24 rooms–two suites and 22 rooms–filled with antique pieces and original works of art; he named Stella d’Italia after Italy’s oldest national symbol. After spending a year traveling around the country’s markets and fairs to furnish the place, Matteo’s got a lot to show for it: Stella d’Italia features over 400 paintings and prints. Much of the newer art has been made by Matteo himself, his wife Betty Soldi (a renowned local calligraphist), and even his 13-year-old daughter (the good genes clearly run in this family).

Each room is beautifully unique; one is furnished with 1950s-style recliners and movie posters with Marcello Mastroianni and Claudia Cardinale. Another features restored blue-tinted frescoes and paintings of the sea. A third contains a whole collage of vintage maps of Florence. Some rooms have a clawfoot tub (or two!); others double-headed showers. They’re all clearly arranged with Matteo’s discerning eye.  

“They’re like my children. I love them all. It’s impossible to choose,” Matteo answers when we ask about his favorite room… Though he may have a soft spot for the homey Room 12, just off the breakfast room. We love Room 10 and Suite 31 (the huge windows offer such a nice slice of Florentine rooftops), though you may have to come back more than a few times to find your favorite. 

You won’t want to spend all of your time in your room, however. Take the elevator up to the fourth floor, and you’ll find a cozy loggia with lovely views of the Bellosguardo hills and the west side of Florence. Head to the breakfast room–where every table is made with a different type of marble–for beautiful wrap-around frescoes, painted in the 18th century, of the Corsi’s various country houses. Pop in to the bar, where aperitivo is in full swing daily. Order any of the classics, among them Campari spritz, Negroni, and Sambuca (hint: ask for this digestive with the “mosca”).  

“I feel responsible for all our guests that come from near or far–sometimes very far!–to visit my hometown,” Matteo tells us. “I want them to discover the real mood of Florence.” At Stella D’Italia, you really couldn’t be in a more convenient location to do so; just steps from all of Florence’s major sites, the alternative Oltrarno district, and the Santa Maria Novella train station, all of the Renaissance city and its surroundings are at your fingertips. (Plus, a few doors down is Palazzo Strozzi, with the best contemporary art exhibitions in Florence.) To see it all, Matteo asserts, it’s well worth staying for more than three days (and we wholeheartedly agree!). 

A few segreti (secrets) from Matteo:

Cantinetta Antinori – Housed in a 15th-century, Renaissance palace, Cantinetta Antinori serves refined versions of regional classics.  

Buca Lapi – You can find one the city’s best steaks in this vaulted cellar decorated with vintage posters. 

Procacci – For a bit of classic glamor, head to Procacci, on Via de’ Tornabuoni since 1885. It’s best at aperitivo time, when you can grab a glass of bubbles to accompany finger sandwiches filled with truffle. 

Regina Bistecca – This establishment near the Duomo is a go to for bistecca alla fiorentina.

Trattoria Sostanza – This quintessentially Florentine trattoria is one of the best in the city, and you can’t miss ordering the tortino di carciofi, pollo al burro, and marengo with wild strawberries. Best to reserve ahead.