Pensione Bencistà is an ancient house, nestled in the green hill of Fiesole; a wonderful balcony from which the view embraces the silver expanse of olive trees, forming almost a horizon line that overlooks the great monuments of the city of Florence. The terraces, covered by wisteria and dotted with rose gardens, offer secluded corners from which to enjoy in complete tranquility the view of the marvelous works of the architects of the past: Brunelleschi’s dome, Santa Croce and Piazzale Michelangelo blending into the harmonious horizon of the hills of Chianti. The fourteenth-century villa, which was residence of great Florentine families, then transformed into a monastery and then again to be the private residence of the famous painter Arnold Böcklin, preserves the antique furnishings collected ever since the beginning of the century from the Simoni family, who made into a luxurious Pensione for long term retreats of artists and thinkers during the beginning of the past century. Among antiques, portraits with gilded frames and precious antique books, in the simple setting of a country residence, it is no wonder that the many regular visitors treat the place with all the affection of home. Managed by the Simoni family for five generations, Bencistà has a hospitable and authentic soul. Since 1927 it welcomes those who want to immerse themselves in the history, art and culture of local and Tuscan traditions.
