THERE’S SMOKE COMING from the Duomo, but I’m not talking about the famed marvel at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. My Duomo is on my table, its miniature roof being gingerly lifted and swirled to dramatic effect by our bartender. I’m at 1564 Lounge Bar in The James experiencing one of the Thirteen Mysteries, part of a baker’s dozen of cocktails inspired by Firenze and its many secrets.
Tucked away on the quiet yet central Via di Mezzo, The James is living its latest incarnation as a boutique hotel. It may have opened its hospitality doors in 2025, but it came from humble beginnings. A convent resided here in 1564 – the same year Michelangelo met his maker. Its most recent renaissance began when James Cavagnari, the mind behind retail designs for Salvatore Ferragamo and Bulgari boutiques, made it his latest project – and his namesake. The London-born architect and designer was raised in Florence and took this opportunity to turn the 16th century palazzo into a hotel, through a Florentine’s lens.
An elegant frescoed ceiling. Sculpted light. Crafted wood. A room where timeless details shape a truly unique stay. Photo: SLH
Although walking distance to the busy city centre, The James sits comfortably in the just-off-the-touristy-’hood of Sant’Ambrogio, known for its local vibe, traditional farmers’ market, independent trattorias and artisanal shops. Step out and feel like you’re living, not just visiting. Step back in, and you’re welcomed by a cosy, art-filled lobby, a theme throughout. The night I’m there, 1564 Lounge is animated with guests and well-heeled locals of all ages; the adjacent glassed atrium that holds the diminutive The James Restaurant is quieter, with just enough conversation between courses, overseen by an open kitchen.
From the Rooftop Garden Terrace Florence’s timeless skyline unfolds in every direction. A hidden gem in the heart of the city.
It’s the perfect launch point for visiting Florence this season, when the Palazzo Strozzi presents “Rothko in Florence,” an exhibition of the American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko (through August 2026), with selected works showing in satellite locations throughout the city. Contemporary art against Firenze’s fierce Renaissance heritage? Why not.
Framed vintage Hermès scarves transform the walls into a private gallery. An intimate retreat that echoes Florence: a city where every corner is a masterpiece. Photo: SLH
Part of the Manfredi Fine Hotels Collection (with properties in Florence, Rome and Capri), and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The James features 14 suites, each uniquely designed to suit the space’s scale – angled eves, reading nooks, secret crannies, all the fun things an architect with a respect for history and good bones can play with. Balconies with views of the green cupola of the Synagogue, built in a Moorish style in 1882, or the rooftops of the city, walls painted in deep blues, golds, pinks and creams dotted with framed vintage Hermès scarves, tiled ceilings and bathrooms that evoke romance – the attention to detail is only matched by the quirky sense of humour Cavagnari reveals. Cheeky ceramic busts, funky modular couches, sultan-tented four-poster beds are just a few added touches.
And this is Florence. She is full of secrets, waiting to be revealed.
