Firenze it is completely surrounded by hills, at least as famous as the city. On the hills to the south, in the municipality of Bagno a Ripoli there's a very special hostel. The building dates back to 1200 and was a "Spedale" intended for the reception of Pilgrims. After appropriate and skilful restorations, it has become a hostel with unique characteristics. Meanwhile, the common areas: a large hall was the refectory complete with a pulpit, a medieval kitchen with an immense stone fireplace, the parlor, the chapel. Outside the vegetable garden and around the hilly nature, full countryside a 4 km from Florence. Hospitality is also peculiar:Hostel it has dormitories with large and raised wooden beds, for 5/8 people; then it has the very original alcoves, or “wooden dividers with two single beds, reminiscent of the monks' dormitories. The price for a dorm place is 25 euro each, including breakfast and sheets.
If you are looking for a more "traditional" accommodation in Bigallino, which is behind the larger structure, there are double rooms with bathroom at 68 euros.
The structure is managed by a cooperative of young people (the boys of the Rifiorenze, who already managed a super popular hostel in Florence) who are also very active in collateral activities, which you can find on site of the Ancient Hospital.
The Antico Spedale del Bigallo is a fascinating and really low cost place, given the care with which it is held; it is appreciated to the maximum with one's own vehicle, as public transport to Florence is not very frequent.
