Who we are

The Place of Wonders is the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the Italian hotel collection THE – The Hospitality Experience.

The Foundation is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and passing on Italy’s centuries-old artisanal traditions by creating concrete opportunities for new generations through scholarships and structured training programmes. Its work is sustained by a private fund and by the generosity of committed patrons who stand alongside us in safeguarding and transmitting this living heritage.

Claudio Meli General Manager at The Place Firenze and Michela Canzi Babini Director of the Foundation

General manager of THE PLACE Firenze, Claudio Meli carved our niche in the Santa Maria Novella neighbourhood to connect our guests and friends with the magnificent makers behind the beauty we see across Florence.

We introduced a series of incredible makers to guests, visitors, and interested locals, spotlighting the hard work and delicate skill that happen behind the scenes in workshops few people ever get to see. A journey to discover, feel and deeply understand the real essence of Italian craft.

Alain Bullo General Manager at Londra Palace Venezia and Michela Canzi Babini Director of the Foundation

In Venice, General Manager of Londra Palace Venezia Alain Bullo will be playing the important role of Heritage Ambassador, acting as a link between the international travellers who are staying at the hotel and the social and cultural fabric of the city of Venice.

Here we decided to collaborate with Venezia da Vivere on a special Mano a Mano collection of limited-edition artisan pieces crafted by five of the Lagoon City’s most storied makers. These unique pieces will be available at the Londra Palace Venezia, so you, too, can carry a piece of Venice with you as you journey through life.

Carlo and Michela Babini

In the heart of Umbria, Borgo dei Conti Resort is dedicated to fostering authentic connections between guests and the region’s deepest soul. Through direct dialogue with Umbrian master artisans—guardians of centuries-old knowledge and traditions—hospitality becomes a cultural experience, rooted in human relationships and shaped by living heritage, skilled hands, and stories passed down through generations.

Patrons

The group THE – The Hospitality Experience supports the Foundation on an ongoing basis by allocating 5 euros for every reservation made within the properties of its hotel collection.
Technical partner that supports the Foundation by providing ongoing assistance with the development and management of the website.
It supports and co-funds scholarships for training at the School of Arti Orafe in Florence.
Veneto-based organization founded by Catherine Urban, it funded the scholarship for the Venetian Artistic Mosaic course.