Description

VILLA CORA, as it is called today, was originally 'VILLA OPPENHEIM' built by Baron Oppenheim in honour of his beautiful wife during the period in which 'Florence was the Capital of Italy (1865/1870). This fascinating residence of pure Neo-Classic style, was object of admiration for the grandeur and richness of its The Oppenheim Barons conducted a dazzling social life receiving the elite of Florentine and foreign Society in their great halls.The parties and balls became renowned for their pomp, elegance, and worldliness.

In this dream-like climate, numerous romances and sentimental relationships were inevitably born even Baron Oppenheim doubted his beautiful wife's fidelity and decided to destroy the Villa by getting some barrels of inflammable material with the intention of setting it light. Fortunately, this decision came to the knowledge of the Chief of Police who succeeded in dissuading the Baron from his insane intention, but not from the decision to abandon the residence and Florence. 'VILLA CORA' was then chosen as a residence by the ex-Empress Eugenia, widow of Napoleon III, to whom Florence gave a warm and deferential welcome.

The Empress, flattered by so much kind attention wanted to do something in return by inviting all the great Florentine families to her receptions who, in turn, competed to organize as many receptions and parties in her honour, some of them truly sumptuous like the one given at the Casino Borghese by Prince Camillo, Paolina Bonaparte's husband. Other people lived at 'VILLA CORA' and among these was the very rich Baroness Von Meck with whom Piter Ilich Tehiakowsky corresponded for many years The two did not know each other personally but were bound by a sentimental relationship originating from their common passion for Music In the same period, the great Russian composer also moved to Florence and went to live very near to the Baroness Von Meck Despite the proximity it is said that strangely the two platonic lovers continued to communicate by letter and never met.! In this musical atmosphere, we should also remember the presence of the eighteen-year-old Claude Debussy who was part of the trio performing for that noble father of music, Baroness Von Meck. The Villa has Mr Egidio Cora's name. His son, Giuliano, who became Ambassador had many successful relationships in the most important capitals of the world, particularly in Ethiopia, where he gained the personal friendship of the Emperor Halle Selassie. After all these fascinating characters who contributed a profusion of beauty and worldliness, 'VILLA CORA' fell into oblivion for several decades, in a state of complete abandonment and degradation.

Nearly all the furnishings were sold or lost The Villa is situated in 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'. A prestigious dwelling in pure neo-classic style, the Villa is admired for its grandeur and the wealth of the internal decorations, in which an eclecticism of styles from that period can be noted. In recent years the work of restoration and restructurization of the Villa was started to prepare for its present use as a hotel The furnishings have mostly been specially constructed following original drawings, but many are authentic period and antique pieces both m the halls and in the apartments.

Every apartment has at least one antique piece and often more than one.Situated in a park overlooking the city, this lovingly preserved 19th Century Neo-Classic Villa was once chosen as Princess Eugenia's (Napoleon III's widow) exile residence. The splendor of her time remains bly in evidence: the frescoed and marble public rooms are breathtaking and the guest rooms are beautifully furnished. Tuscan specialties are enjoyed in the Taverna Machiavelli; in summertime dine al fresco.