Medieval Castle in Umbria Authentic Italy - Green Vacations - Historic Residence - Romantic Lodgings

Character: Perfectly preserved 12th-century castle inhabited by your hosts. Advantages: A rare chance to actually sleep inside the castle (most Italian castle accommodations actually have guest rooms in the former farm buildings, with a view of the castle where the owner lives!). A great base for visiting Gubbio, one of Italy's most dramatic hill towns, and The Marches ("Tuscany Without The Tourists"). Location: 14 km from Gubbio, 25 km from Assisi and not far from the border with The Marches. Click here to see a map. Size: A handful of guestrooms, including singles, doubles, triples and some suites with separate living room with one or two sleep sofas. Many rooms have sweeping views across the valley. Features: Rooms are furnished simply, with authentic antiques crafted in the castle's own workshops. All have mini-fridge, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone and daily cleaning, and private bathrooms with hair dryers. Because of the altitude, you will never need air conditioning, but a few of the new junior suites do offer it, along with DSL access. Swimming pool; acres of pristine forests with marked paths. Price includes breakfast. Also available: Be sure to take advantage of the delicious Umbrian dinner shared with your hosts in the castle's original dining room. Minimum stay: Two nights (three nights over Easter and in August). Disadvantages: Not fancy. Guestrooms are all up at least one flight of stairs and the access road is steep at the end. Small prices to pay for a chance to experience history! Car needed: Yes.

If you have ever wanted to stay in a castle, you will find very few opportunities as rewarding as this hilltop fortress. Built in 1163, it sits high on a tree-lined summit overlooking the Chiasco Valley, which provides the kind of picturesque landscape beloved by Leonardo and Perugino. As you wind your way up the private access road, you leave behind all signs - and sounds - of the 20th century. In just a few minutes you reach the castle keep, drive through the wrought-iron gates and park in the garage, which occupies the two-story former stables. The English-speaking butler will be waiting to take your bags and lead you upstairs to your room.

Before you get there, you will pass into the inner sanctum within the 1000-year-old ramparts: here you will find the same entirely self-sufficient universe that has existed for centuries at this castle. Every detail has been lovingly preserved, thanks to the devotion of your host Carlo and his very artistic wife. Accommodations are in tastefully-furnished rooms with private bath, mini-fridge, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone and daily cleaning. Superior Rooms measure 450 square feet and have a whirlpool tub as well as shower. The Deluxe Room is a 600-square-foot duplex whose bathroom is downstairs and features a round sunken tub and shower inside one of the ancient towers. A handful of new Junior Suites also offer bathrooms with whirlpool tub and separate stall shower, air conditioning and DSL access. Suites have a sitting room with sleep sofa and a separate double bedroom. All the heavy antique furniture is crafted in the castle workshops, and family mementos abounds.

Perhaps the most unforgettable apartment is in the Tower: built in the year 1000, it has a living room, bath, double bedroom and terrace on no less than four floors. Although we do not recommend staying in the Tower, you are welcome to visit it, along with the rest of the castle, its park, forest and lawns. Everyone is urged to join their hosts and fellow guests for dinner in the candlelit dining room, where local specialties are served at a centuries-old communal table.

CLOSED JANUARY 7-MARCH 31, 2009

For this property:
One child under 5 years old stays free in its parents' double room.
A small animal is welcome: 5 Euro/night.
Dinner costs 34 Euro/person.
Free daily cleaning service is provided in the rooms and suites.
English, French, Spanish and Italian spoken.

Please note that you need a car to stay here.

Lodgings Nearby
Things To Do Near This Property
Other Authentically Italian Lodgings
Other Green Vacation Spots
Other Historical Properties
Other Romantic Lodgings

In Italy Online charges no booking fees or hidden extras.
Click here for more information about our services.

Click here for details about Italian lodgings.

Here are some useful links to help you plan an even better trip to Italy:
Travel Insurance
Car Rental
City Walks & Day Trips
Museum Reservations
Folding Maps
Cell Phone Use
Guidebooks
Things You Really Ought To Do Before You Start Your Trip
More Things to See and Do in Italy
Local Pageants & Festivals
Food & Antique Markets

Buon viaggio from In Italy Online!