Italy has a rich history filled with royalty and nobility, today the castles of these families still remain. A number of the family fortresses are now hotels, here are five that we would love to check into right now.
1. Castello Orsini – Nerola
A castle just outside of Rome?! Yes! This tenth-century castle is located only forty kilometers from the historic city and offers just fourteen rooms and suites divided among four areas of the property. Stroll the same hallways that the famous Borgia family walked. Enjoy the grounds that feature a delightlful restaurant, bar, heated pool, and spa. In addition to the amazing views, you can revel in historic décor like suits of armor, tapestries and hanging lances.
2. Castello Di Monterone – Perugia
The castle of Monterone has been featured in many magazines as a premier travel destination. The white-stone castle offers eighteen stonewalled rooms with hand-made iron beds and custom build wooden furnishings. The grounds feature an extensive rose garden with twenty varieties of rose bushes, an outdoor pool, Turkish bath, and sauna. Make sure to enjoy the delightful view of the valley between Assisi and Perugia.
3. Castello Di Petroia – Gubbio
The Petroia castle offers thirteen historic rooms between three buildings on the property. All rooms and suites offer a variety of whirlpools, tubs, hydro-massage tubs, and hot tubs. Don’t miss the traditional Umbrian cuisine that is served by candlelight nightly. You can also enjoy the a seasonal pool, horse stable and beautiful grounds when staying at this charming castle.
4. Castello Di Nero – Florence
This nine-hundred-year-old noble family home features fifty guest rooms and one of the leading Tuscan spas. Guests enjoy the tennis courts and pool areas along with spa treatments for all ages. Traditional Tuscan foods are prepared by Michelin-starred chefs in the castle’s kitchen with vegetables harvested daily from the gardens. Since this castle is in easy driving distance of Florence and Siena, it makes the perfect place to relax and settle down for a Tuscan summer trip.
5. Belmond Castello Di Casole – Siena
The Belmond castle hotel offers thirty-nine rooms, a thousand-year-old wine cellar spa, and two restaurants. The spa features couples suites, outdoor garden body rituals, and holistic treatments. The Tosca restaurant offers home-made pasta, bread, and estate-grown olive oil. Cip’s Club features Tuscan and Venetian foods with an interactive dining experience where dishes are finished tableside.
