Dramatic Designs: Frescos at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Luxury hotels spare no expense when it comes design and decor, seeking the ultimate "presence piece" that makes a startling impact when you first come upon it. And then there are those hotels that are just lucky enough to happen upon historical works of art from some of the greatest artists of past generations.

This week's Dramatic Design comes from Florence at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. When the hotel started renovations to the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca and 16th-century convent, they unveiled original frescos that actually set back the opening of the hotel.

The frescos were painted by Bertoldo di Giovanni (one of Michelangelo’s instructors) and date back to 1555, according to the hotel historians. You'll find these dramatic works of art in some of the guest room suites (other suites have painted ceilings featuring scenes from everyday life of the Renaissance) as well as the lobby, which features 12 bas-reliefs of mythological stories painted by di Giovanni.

While you're visiting, don't miss a walk through the Giardino della Gherardesca, one of the largest gardens in Florence, which spans 11 acres and is adorned by giant shade trees and vibrant flowers. The garden was kept private and unseen for hundreds of years, until the hotel opened in 2008.

*Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Florence, Italy

Past Dramatic Designs:
B2Hotel's Lobby Lounge and Wine Bar
Gramercy Park Hotel's Drawing Room
Mandarin Oriental New York's elliptical lobby
Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg's 'floating' swimming pool
Ireland's Lismore Castle