The opening of W Florence is set for spring 2025, marking the debut of the W Hotels brand's second property in Italy. 

The W Florence will have 119 rooms, with 16 suites

The new W Florence owned by Progetto Majestic is located in the heart of Florence, a few steps from Via de' Tornabuoni, halfway between Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo. With 119 rooms, including 16 suites, W Florence will combine innovative style and unique design. The Penthouse Suite will offer ample living space and a private terrace with breathtaking views of the Duomo and the church of Santa Maria Novella. 

A rooftop garden for meetings

The ground floor will host the iconic W Lounge, perfectly integrating the dynamic of the city within the hotel with live music, DJ sets and cocktail culture. This lounge will be a clever mix of indoor and outdoor spaces around a partially covered central courtyard. The rooftop garden is set to become a meeting place where classic sophistication meets a contemporary mood.

Palazzo Altemps is a museum packed with art and history in the centre of Rome.

A glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Renaissance Rome

The elegant old Renaissance palazzo on the Piazza di Sant'Apollinare square is a short walk from the more famous Piazza Navona, and offers a quieter yet equally captivating experience compared to the city’s more famous landmarks.  Part of the National Roman Museum and, built in the 15th century, it once belonged to a series of noble families, most notably the Altemps family, whose name it carries today. Walking through its halls, you’re not just exploring a museum; you’re stepping into the opulent lifestyle of Renaissance Rome.  

Credit Lalupa CC BY Sto arrivando 3.0 Palazzo Altemps

The Ludovisi Throne is a highlight

The highlight of the Palazzo Altemps is its extraordinary collection of classical sculptures. These works, many of which were part of private collections centuries ago, offer a close look at the artistry of ancient Greece and Rome. Visitors can also admire the Ludovisi Throne, a masterpiece of ancient relief carving. While its original purpose and context remain uncertain, the Ludovisi Throne offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural values of the ancient world and it is a standout treasure within the Palazzo Altemps collection.  This ancient Greek relief sculpture, dating back to the 5th century B.C.is steeped in both artistry and mystery. It is believed to have come from Magna Graecia, the ancient Greek colonies in southern Italy, and it isn’t a seat as its name suggests, but rather a sculptural block adorned with intricate reliefs on three sides. Each side tells a story through exquisitely carved figures that embody the grace and dynamism of classical Greek art. 

Credit Marie Lan Nguyen CC BY 2.5 Ludovisi throne Altemps 

A venue for temporary exhibitions

Palazzo Altemp’s loggia and courtyard provide peaceful settings to pause and reflect, surrounded by beautifully preserved architecture. The Church of Sant’Aniceto, located within the Palazzo, is another treasure worth exploring, an intimate chapel that combines Baroque splendor with a serene atmosphere.  But beyond the art and architecture, Palazzo Altemps is also a venue that hosts temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover.

For information: https://museonazionaleromano.beniculturali.it/en/palazzo-altemps

The Botanical Garden of Padua, or Orto Botanico di Padova, is a journey through science and nature, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

The circular plot is surrounded by water

This garden holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest university botanical garden, having been established in 1545. Its iconic design features a circular central plot surrounded by a ring of water, reflecting the Renaissance-era vision of the world. Down the centuries ornamental entrances and wrought-iron gates were added, but the Garden has maintained its original purpose as a center for scientific research and a testament to the enduring relationship between science, culture, and nature.  

ph credits: Semolo75

Less than an hour from Venice

Reaching the garden is convenient whether traveling by air, train, or car. The nearest major airport is Venice Marco Polo, situated about 40 kilometers away, from where trains and buses depart for Padua. The city’s central train station offers regular services from Venice, Milan, and Bologna, and for those traveling by car, the A4 motorway leads directly to Padua,  

The garden is beautiful all year round

Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of over 6,000 plant species, ranging from medicinal plants to rare and exotic specimens. The historic circular layout is crisscrossed by symmetrical pathways, and the library and herbarium house more than 50,000 volumes and manuscripts, while tin he modern greenhouses the focus is on conservation and plants from tropical and desert climates.  Spring and early summer, particularly from April to June, are the best times to experience the garden’s vibrant beauty, while in September and October it offers a cooler atmosphere.

CREDIT Oursana

So many things to see in Padua

It is well worth spending time in Padua for its wealth of cultural and historical attractions. These include the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto’s magnificent frescoes. This chapel is one of the eight buildings in the city with frescoes that have gained UNESCO status.  The Basilica of Saint Anthony houses many personal relics of the saint in its Treasury and attracts pilgrims from all over Italy and the world. The city also has the famous Caffè Pedrocchi, known as the “café without doors” as, until the early 20th century, it remained open 24/7. The signature drink is the Pedrocchi Coffee, a creamy espresso served with mint cream and dusted with cocoa, and it also serves pastries, light means and cocktails, welcoming patrons throughout the day. 

Just a short drive or train ride north of Rome, there is a stunning array of hiking, walking, and trekking trails that showcase the beauty of the Lazio region.

Discovering Italy’s pre-Roman history

For those seeking to escape the Eternal City’s hustle, or embark on a scenic adventure, these routes provide the perfect opportunity to connect with nature while getting some exercise. Onecaptivating trek is to the Necropolis and Waterfalls of Cerveteri. Only about an hour’s drive from Rome, Cerveteri is home to the ancient ruins of Caere, an Etruscan town, and a visit here offers a fascinating journey into Italy's pre-Roman history and a chance to explore various types of Etruscan tombs. 

Waterfalls and archaeological sites

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cerveteri’s necropolis is beautifully restored and nature buffs can enjoy a scenic hike along the Via degli Inferi, continuing toward the Necropolis of Laghetto. The highlight of this trek is the Cerveteri Falls, a hidden gem with cascading water and a peaceful natural environment, and Cerveteri also has plenty of restaurants in which to enjoy the tasty local cuisine. The trek begins on a dirt track just outside Cerveteri, leading to the Banditaccia archaeological site, and the route back is along the same path.

Necropoli of Cerveteri

Monte Soratte’s panoramic vistas

Another beautiful hike not far from Rome is to the summit and hermitages of Monte Soratte, often referred to as “The Balcony of Rome" for its panoramic 360-degree vistas. The hike offers a mix of rugged terrain and serene surroundings, and one of its highlights is the bunker used by Field Marshal Kesselring during WWII, which can be explored through guided tours of the tunnels.  This trail offers stunning views over the Tiber Valley and takes just over three hours, covering a distance of five kilometers and, when it’s time for a break, the nearby town of Sant'Oreste offers several charming restaurants and bars.

The Park of Veio and Mount Calvio

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Ring of Monte Calvio and Casalaccio in the Park of Veio, is a gentle trek through Lazio's beautiful countryside. Just 40 minutes from Rome, this park has a variety of hiking trails that pass through dense woods and open meadows. One of the most serene hikes is to the Monte Calvio mountain with wonderful views over the Roman countryside. This trail is almost completely flat, making it perfect for families or those looking for a simple walk surrounded by history, and it is just is six kilometers long, taking around two hours to complete. Getting there is no problem as it is a short drive from Rome to the town of Magliano Romano, and to the trail’s starting point near the Ostello di Veio hostel. These three different trails a stone’s throw from the Eternal City offer a unique way to experience the beauty of Lazio, with historical landmarks, peaceful natural settings, and scenic views that make them ideal for hiking enthusiasts. 

Just a two-hour drive from Rome Amatrice, a small town in the province of Rieti, is universally admired for its resilience, rich flavors and beautiful landscapes.   

A town famous for its Amatriciana pasta

Known worldwide for its iconic Pasta all’Amatriciana, Amatrice which is in the Lazio region not far from the border with Abruzzo, is much more than its culinary fame. It is a place where the effects of nature’s forces - both the beauty of the landscape and the tragic impact of an earthquake - tell a story of resilience and recovery. The journey from Rome to Amatrice takes a couple of hours by car, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway from the Eternal City. 

A dish to be tried in its most authentic form

Amatrice’s fame stems from its signature dish, the famous Pasta all'Amatriciana made with a sauce of pork cheek, tomatoes, and Pecorino cheese, which is one of the most admired symbols of Lazio’s culinary heritage. Local restaurants and trattorias serve up the dish in its most authentic form, often with ingredients sourced from the surrounding region. The dish, however, represents more than just food; it’s a testament to the town’s cultural legacy.

The town is rebuilding after the earthquake

In 2016, Amatrice shot to global fame for another reason, this time a tragic one, as on the night of August 24, an earthquake of devastating magnitude struck the region, destroying much of the town and the neighboring village of Accumuli.  The destruction was widespread, leaving most of the buildings and homes in ruins, but amid the devastation, the spirit of Amatrice remained unbroken. Today, while the scars of the earthquake are still visible, the town is slowly rebuilding with many of its landmarks and buildings having been restored.

A paradise for nature lovers

Visitors to Amatrice also like to explore the natural beauty that surrounds it. For those seeking nature adventures, the area offers a range of hiking routes suitable for all levels of experience, and for seasoned trekkers, a climb up Monte Gorzano, the highest peak in Lazio at 2,458 meters, provides a challenging yet rewarding experience.   For less experienced hikers, there are plenty of accessible walks through the forest and along streams, particularly towards the waterfalls that cascade through the area in the spring and summer months. 

Commemorating the 2016 earthquake

For a more contemplative experience, the Cammino delle Terre Mutate is a trail dedicated to the memories of the 2016 earthquake, offering not just natural beauty but a deep sense of connection to the past and the rebuilding effort. For information: https://www.amatriceturismo.it

The historic ferry on the banks of the Adda river in the vicinity of Milan, is said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.  

An ideal day-trip destination

Italy is a boundless treasure trove of remarkable art works and groundbreaking inventions, many of which can be found beyond the walls of museums, like the ferry designed over 500 years ago by Leonardo da Vinci. This unique ferry, which is in the town of Imbersago about an hour from Milan - making it an ideal day-trip destination - is believed to have been designed, or at least perfected by da Vinci when the great artist stayed in Vaprio d’Adda.

Easy to reach by car or by train

The ferry is on the river in the town of Imbersago which is conveniently located some northeast of Milan, and can be reached by car or train, with the nearest railway station in Merate just a short drive or bike ride away. Once in Imbersago the ferry can be easily accessed via local walking trails or by following the scenic Naviglio di Paderno canal. The river is home to many wild birds and it is not unusual to come across ducks and swans. 

A living legacy

The steel cable that stretches across the Adda river guides the ferry as it harnesses the natural flow of the water to glide effortlessly from one bank to the other - no motor required. Still operational today, the ferry transports both people and vehicles on the brief crossing, preserving its historical significance as a vital link between the two banks of the river. Its elegant simplicity and eco-friendly operation stand as a testament to timeless innovation, drawing visitors from all over the world.  

What else to see and do    

While the ferry is the star attraction, the area offers plenty to explore. The Adda Nord Park, a sprawling natural reserve, is perfect for hiking, cycling, or picnicking amidst lush greenery. Leonardo enthusiasts will enjoy retracing the artist's steps along the Leonardo Ecomuseum Trail, where they can admire the same landscapes that inspired da Vinci’s work. For history buffs, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Bosco on a hill overlooking the river, provides a serene retreat and a glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage and food lovers can savor local delicacies in nearby trattorias.