The Singapore-based luxury hospitality group Capella Hotels & Resorts will open its first European property in Florence in 2027. After having built its presence across Asia and the Pacific, the brand has announced the launch of Capella Florence, which will occupy a historically significant complex near Piazza della Libertà and the Duomo. The upcoming hotel marks a strategic move as Capella enters a destination known for its artistic legacy and cultural depth.
The property will take shape within a set of buildings on Via San Gallo, which date back to the 12th century. Over time, the site has housed the convents of Sant’Agata, San Clemente, and Santa Lucia di Camporeggi, operated as a military hospital, and served as a residence for artists such as Arcangela Paladini. The scale and history of the location have positioned it as one of Florence’s most culturally layered spaces undergoing redevelopment.
Capella Florence is being designed by Italian architectural firms RPA and De Vita & Schulze, with interiors by French studio Liaigre. The project aims to preserve historical elements while introducing contemporary design in line with Capella’s brand identity.
Cristiano Rinaldi, President, Capella Hotel Group, “Capella Florence represents a natural evolution of our vision, bringing the Capella experience to a city where culture, history, and artistry are deeply ingrained in everyday life.”
The 89-key hotel will include 33 suites and 56 guestrooms. In addition, the property will feature 10 private residences with their own entrance, offered in both classical and modern layouts. Dining will be a central part of the experience, with two restaurants—one focused on Tuscan cuisine and another offering Japanese omakase-style sushi. A rooftop bar and a subterranean speakeasy-style wine vault will further diversify the food and beverage program. Capella’s Living Room, a brand signature, will also be included.
Wellness and cultural programming will be anchored in a standalone Clubhouse. Spanning 600 square metres, the Capella Spa will include a hydrotherapy pool, a fitness centre, and a café. An indoor amphitheatre will be built to reflect the site’s long-standing association with the arts, reinforcing the hotel’s alignment with Florence’s legacy of creativity and public engagement.
“In a destination as rich and layered as Florence, we are honoured to collaborate with a world-renowned architect and interior designer who share our dedication to crafting spaces that respect local history while creating meaningful connections for today’s luxury traveller. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the renewal of this historic part of Florence’s cultural and communal heritage,” said Mr. Rinaldi.
With Capella Florence, the group is extending its portfolio beyond Asia while maintaining its strategy of entering destinations with strong cultural and architectural identities. The property is expected to stand apart not only as Capella’s European debut but also for its scale and ambition, merging adaptive reuse of heritage buildings with a focused hospitality programme.
Scheduled to open in 2027, the development underlines how high-end hotel groups are now leaning into projects that require architectural sensitivity, cultural relevance, and long-term positioning rather than short-term impact.
