Corso dei Tintori 19 - Chiara

Studying abroad in Florence allowed me to live in a city filled with history, art, and culture. I was assigned a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, Corso dei Tintori 19—Chiara. Nestled in the heart of Florence, right next to Sante Croce across the street from the Champagneria, this cozy apartment became my sanctuary during my time abroad.

A Perfect Location

Corso dei Tintori offers a true taste of life in Florence. It runs along the Arno River and is lined with beautiful historic buildings. My apartment was in the perfect location, just a short walk from the iconic Ponte Vecchio (where I spent far too much of my savings on gold jewelry), the famous Uffizi Gallery, and many other popular landmarks throughout Florence. No matter what I felt like doing, everything was easily accessible from my front door.

First Impressions

The apartment has a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending traditional Florentine architecture with modern comforts. A cozy fireplace greeted me as I walked in, giving the place a rustic charm, while large windows filled the rooms with natural light and offered views of the lovely courtyard below.

Living Space

The living area was spacious, with comfortable seating and decor that reflected Florence's artistic spirit. It had a sofa to unwind after a day of classes and sightseeing and a dining table to enjoy a home-cooked meal (though I ate out most nights). There was a small TV, an air conditioner, and a bookcase lined with various school books about Italy. It also housed a drying rack since the apartment had no dryer and an iron (but no ironing board).

Kitchen

Though small, the kitchen was well-equipped with everything needed to prepare delicious meals. I didn't cook much, but my roommates took culinary classes and used it far more than I did, filling the apartment with lovely Italian aromas. Most of my time in the kitchen was spent using the washing machine.

AddAPinchOfLove has an excellent post about the place if you're looking for kitchen and bathroom pictures.

Bedrooms

My bedroom (with AC) was a lovely retreat from the hot summer days in Florence, and I ran right to it every day after class. I was assigned my own room, and three roommates shared the second bedroom. I arrived at a twin bed dressed in white linens and plenty of storage space for my belongings. The pillow was pretty thin and looking back, I wish I had invested in my own.

My biggest suggestion would be to GET BUG SPRAY, ESPECIALLY IN SUMMER MONTHS! The mosquitos were horrendous and HUGE. So spare yourself (and your body), and make sure to apply some bug spray before going to sleep. You won't regret it! I made the mistake of opening the window my first night, but would definitely suggest until morning time to open windows or air out the place.

While I didn't get a chance to check out my roommates' room much, they do make up for the multiple occupancies with a large window overlooking the courtyard.

Bathroom

The bathroom was clean and had a sink, toilet, and shower. The shower was stand-up but spacious, with a ledge to store products (or even rest a leg while shaving). I was only given one thin towel, so it might be a good idea to pack your own if you're into pampering yourself, like me. The walls were made of tile with cute designs that added to the rustic Italian charm.

Check out this article by Liz Rice on AddAPinchOfLove for more pictures of the bathroom.

A Lasting Memory

Leaving Florence and saying goodbye to this charming apartment was bittersweet, but the memories I made there will stay with me forever. Chiara will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of my incredible journey and the lifelong love for Italy that it sparked.

Have you studied abroad in Florence before? What was your apartment or living accommodation like? Let us know in the comments below!

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