The Hotel Donatello is situated in the centre of Florence at Piazza dell Indipendenza, one of the most characteristic squares of the city; the surrounding 18th and 19th century palaces were once home to famous Italian and English writers who lived in the city and plaques now mark where they lived. Guests are assured a peaceful and relaxing stay as the area is tranquil and safe.

The various attractions which have made Florence such an enticing city are all within walking distance of the hotel. We are a short stroll away from the Santa Maria Novella train station, approximately 60 meters. Recommended sites include the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia delle Belle Arti, Piazza San Marco ant the Piazza della Signoria.

Brunelleschi’s breath-taking dome is not to be overlooked - crowning the famous Florentine cathedral, Il Duomo, it is larger than the Capitol building in Washington, the Pantheon in Rome, and even St.Peters in the Vatican City. As it’s only a 10 minute walk south from the hotel we can assure you that it won’t be missed. Click on the Interactive Map of Florence below for a better view of the hotel’s location and the surrounding area. A satellite image version is also available.

Of particular interest is the 16th century fortress, constructed by the famous Antonio da Sangallo, which lies two blocks away from the Piazza della Indipendenza. La Fortezza da Basso (official name: Fortezza San Giovanni Battista) is in the form of a star and is of great historic importance; it was once the refuge of the local government during acts of rivolt or invasion. Via dell Fortezza runs directly to Piazza della Independenza from the fortress.

Florentine shops offer a wide variety of goods with numerous boutiques, goldsmiths, designer outlets and markets, all of which are on the door step of the Hotel Donatello. Directly south of the hotel, a mere 5 minute walk, you will find the Piazza del Mercato Centrale. The open-aired San Lorenzo Market was established during the Risanamento, a period when Florence was the capital of Italy (1860-1870). It offers leather goods, jewellery and clothing at competitive prices.

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For more detailed information click on the local transport authority webpage in our Useful Links section.

How to reach Florence

Two airports serve Florence: Amerigo Vespucci 5km north-west of the city centre and Galileo Galilei near Pisa.

The number 62 bus runs from the airport Amerigo Vespucci to Stazione di Santa Maria Novella and takes around 15 minutes. The quicker SITA shuttle bus connects the airport Amerigo Vespucci to the SITA bus station just to the west of Piazza della Stazione.

Regular trains part from Galileo Galilei airport to Stazione di Santa Maria Novella. This journey takes about one hour.

The A1 motorway is the best way of arriving in Florence by car. It connects with Bologna and Milan in the north and Rome and Naples in the south. If travelling from the North, exit at Firenze Nord. If travelling from the south, exit at Firenze Sud.

How to reach us

After arriving at the Santa Maria Novella station by train, head left and exit the station towards Piazza Adua. Walk south in the direction of Piazza della Stazione and turn left along Via Nazionale. Follow this street straight ahead until you arrive at a large tree-lined square: Piazza della Indipendenza. Cross the square and you will arrive at the Hotel Donatello, parallel to Via Nazionale, number 23.

Arriving from the Firenze-Sud (Florence-South): Leaving the A1, simply follow the bull's-eye "Centro" signs or "Viali di Circonvallazione". At Piazza della Libertà, take Via Lorenzo il Magnifico the second left and continue straight ahead until you reach Via Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. On your right you will see the tree-lined Piazza Indipendenza. To arrive at the hotel take the first right and then turn right again.

Arriving from Firenze-Nord (Florence-North): Leaving the A1, simply follow the bull's-eye "Centro" signs or "Viali di Circonvallazione. On passing Viale Strozzi and the Fortezza da Basso you will be in Via Spartaco Lavagnini. Turn right at the first set of traffic lights in Via Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. On your right you will see the tree-lined Piazza Indipendenza. To arrive at the hotel take the first right and then turn right again.