A stay in Florence wouldn’t be complete without fine dining and fantastic wines every evening, along with world-class galleries and historical intrigue every day. Speaking of history, this home – just a three-minute walk from the Basilica of Santa Croce – might be of interest to those with a little morbid curiosity. As you arrive at its imposing entrance, it has a gothic look with dark stone facade and a grand front door painted black. Any ideas what it used to be? For centuries, this building was the official residence of the city’s executioners, known as Casa del Boia. However, this modern apartment is now a far cry from its past, offering a fresh and modern vibe in the heart of this ancient city. We love the bright green velvet sofa, glossy black coffee table, and jungle-print wall hanging in the lounge. They might not be the traditional Italian features you’d expect, which is exactly what makes this home so unique. For a similar surprise, head into one of the bathrooms. With vibrant orange wallpaper featuring a flamingo print all over, these wonderfully unexpected and joyful interiors can certainly make up for its former residents. Home truths: *You'll have to climb over seventy steps to reach the flat, as it's located in a 14th-century building with no lift *There's no dedicated workspace, but plenty of laptop-friendly spots such as the dining table *At full capacity, two guests can sleep on a sofa bed in the lounge *Parking is not available, but the nearest bus stop is less than a one-minute walk *The entrance is not private to your home *Luggage storage is not in the same building, it's located a six-minute walk away