The Bellevue House resides on the top of an antique palace called "Palazzo Riblet". In the 16th century it was originally a convent, then in the beginning of the 17th century a French family called Riblet bought the Palazzo. One of the Riblet's descendants was the lady companion of Elise Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister. Since 2000, the "Palazzo Riblet" was completely renovated to create the Bellevue House.
The Bellevue House is located on the top floor (3rd) of an antique palace, in the historical center of Florence, within walking distance of the train station and historical sights and museums: the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Maria Novella, Uffizi, and Santa Croce.Nearby the Bellevue House stands one of the world's oldest pharmacies: Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. For nearly eight centuries, the Antica Farmacia has created the world's most luxurious and exclusive lotions, soaps and scents, still carefully prepared by hand.