Relais Della Rovere

It is unknown what year this stunning residence was built, but people have been writing about it since as far back as the 11th century, when this part of Europe still belonged to the Holy Roman Empire. For several centuries it was a prosperous Benedictine abbey - and this is clear both from the valuable materials used in its construction and from the layout of the structure: a succession of rooms opening off either side of a long, broad corridor. In the late 1400s the complex caught the eye of Cardinale Giuliano Della Rovere, who later became Pope Julius II. To say the least, this fascinating prelate had an aesthetic eye. For half a lifetime he was the leading patron of Michelangelo. Most of us know how he forced the unwilling Tuscan genius to transform the boring blue and gold ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. What he did when he turned this abbey into his own personal residence was a little less monumental, but it was every bit as impeccable, and it remained the home of the local bishop for almost 400 years.

As so often has happened in Italy, the building had fallen into disuse by the mid-20th century. In 1993 it was purchased and closed to the public: the ensuing restorations uncovered many elements whose existence was no longer even recorded. Today it is a pleasant hotel surrounded by a quiet garden located at the very center of Tuscany, halfway between Siena and San Gimignano. No matter how nervewracked you may be after driving the winding roads of Chianti or the streets of Florence, when you return here in the late afternoon, perhaps for a leisurely swim in the pool or a soothing treat of vin santo and biscotti, you will be restored by the same peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the abbey 900 years ago.

Guest accommodations at the Relais are in the Cardinal's 15th-century home and the adjoining 11th-century abbey. Some non-smoking rooms are available. Each room is unique:

• Five standard double rooms in the abbey, with modern furnishings, mini-bar, safe, air conditioning, satellite TV, private bathroom with stall shower and hair dryer

• Eighteen superior double rooms in the abbey, which are larger and also have modern furnishings, plus mini-bar, safe, air conditioning, satellite TV, private bathroom with whirlpool bathtub or shower, and hair dryer

• Five luxury double rooms in the Cardinal's home; they are furnished with valuable antiques and have mini-bar, safe, air conditioning, satellite TV, private bathroom with whirlpool bathtub and hair dryer

• Three junior suites in the abbey, with modern furnishings featuring a sitting area with single sleep sofa, and mini-bar, safe, air conditioning, satellite TV, one private bathroom with whirlpool bathtub and hair dryer and a second bathroom with stall shower and hair dryer

• Two suites in the abbey; they have a separate sitting room, modern furnishings, two mini-bars, two safes, air conditioning, two satellite TVs, one private bathroom with whirlpool bathtub and hair dryer and a second bathroom with stall shower and hair dryer

Relais della Rovere's location on the outskirts of Colle Val d'Elsa is perfect for day trips to almost any part of Tuscany. Siena and San Gimignano are just down the road. Florence is a 45-minute drive; Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, Volterra and Montalcino are only slightly farther. You can enjoy dinner at the restaurant, or choose from an excellent array of local restaurants, trattorie and pizzerias.

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CLOSED JANUARY 1-MARCH 18, 2008

Nightly B&B Rates for 2008 (per room) Two-Night Minimum Stay
Includes taxes, services & breakfast
	Low Season: March 24-April 23 Oct. 19-Nov. 2	High Season: March 19-23 April 24-Oct. 18
Standard Double Room	171.00 EURO	200.00 EURO
Superior Double Room	196.00 EURO	229.00 EURO
Luxury Double Room	238.00 EURO	278.00 EURO
Junior Suite	238.00 EURO	278.00 EURO
Suite	329.00 EURO	384.00 EURO
Luxury Suite	352.00 EURO	412.00 EURO
Third Bed	76.00 EURO	88.00 EURO
Child's Bed (3-6 years old)	30.00 EURO	30.00 EURO

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CLOSED JANUARY 1-APRIL 7, 2009

Nightly B&B Rates for 2009 (per room) Two-Night Minimum Stay
Includes taxes, services & breakfast
	Low Season: April 8-9 April 13-29 Oct. 19-31	High Season: April 10-12 April 30-Oct. 18
Standard Double Room	171.00 EURO	200.00 EURO
Superior Double Room	196.00 EURO	229.00 EURO
Luxury Double Room	238.00 EURO	278.00 EURO
Junior Suite	238.00 EURO	278.00 EURO
Suite	329.00 EURO	384.00 EURO
Luxury Suite	352.00 EURO	412.00 EURO
Third Bed	76.00 EURO	88.00 EURO
Child's Bed (3-6 years old)	30.00 EURO	30.00 EURO

Click here to consult a calendar

A baby crib is available free of charge and must be requested at time of booking

Click here for information about private transfers to the property.

You can stay here without a car, but if you are planning to tour throughout the area, we strongly recommend you have one.

Please note that it is not possible to guarantee Internet access at any property, because the property does not generate the service, it merely provides access from a server. If the server experiences any kind of problem at all, the property regrets it cannot be responsible for any inconvenience caused by subsequent lack of service.

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