Location
Pilgrims on the road to Rome travelled through Proceno on the Via Francigena, for years the most important trade and communications route between northern and southern Europe, a fertile territory for cultural exchange. Monuments, artistic treasures, splendid cathedrals, villas and magnificent gardens enriched the principal cities along the journey. On this road, people from all over Europe have for centuries met in peace, recognising in each other fellow members of a unique culture.
The area surrounding our castle is practically untouched: steep hills, forests, majestic centuries old trees, and untamed rivers. The Stridolone torrent, with its uncontaminated habitat, is a haven for wildlife. The Elvella lake irrigates the surrounding area during summer when the luminous gold of sunflowers covers the ground. Climbing to the top of the main tower of the castle, you are in the middle of a natural amphitheatre, encircled by Mount Civitella, with Castell’Azzara; Mount Amiata, with skiing and other winter sports; Radicofani Castle; Celle sul Rigo; Mount Cetona, with its two little towns of Chiusi and Cetona; Mount Rufeno, with a beautiful and extensive nature reserve and a Flower Museum; the castle of Torre Alfina; and the very old Sasseto forest. Around Mount Amiata are many hot springs and luxurious spas. And to the south is Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Italy, with its two rocky islands, Bisentina and Martana.
Proceno – in the village with all amenities
Acquapendente 12km
Bolsena 32km
Fabro 37km – A1 Autostrada to Rome/Florence
Orvieto 39km
Siena 87km
Exterior
Sitting in this spectacular countryside are the gardens of the castle. To reach the castle, you go through lemon and boxwood hedge gardens. Traditionally laid out, these hanging gardens are located on the old walls that were part of the fortification of the castle. Below the castle, a wilder, more natural garden rolls down the hill to the area of the restaurant and swimming pool and opens into the countryside. Old visteria covers stone walls. Banksia roses lying on ancient trees, and streams of iris paint the landscape.
You may visit the castle, visit the museum in the main tower and look out over the ancient Etruscan land from the battlements. In the courtyard of the castle, you may also enjoy music events organized by the Carlo Cecchini Historical and Cultural Association. And in the family kitchen, you may take cooking classes, where people from the village will teach you old recipes.
Understanding Tuscia is all about slowing down and experiencing an enchanted moment in Italian life, allowing the magic of the countryside to envelop you in its memories of past centuries.
Restaurant
Telling the story of old traditions, the restaurant’s cuisine is based on simple ingredients that follow the seasons: fresh vegetables grown along the Stridolone torrent in spring and summer, wild mushrooms in autumn, and fresh game in winter—all enhanced by the meticulous use of herbs and the local garlic. Handmade fresh pasta, local sheep and goat cheeses, and home-made cakes and tarts are only a few of the delights waiting for you.
And to complement your meal, we bring the best wines of central Italy from our cellars to your table.
In warm weather, meals are served outdoors or under a portico with sliding windows. We are open only for dinner.
Swimming Pool
Shared Swimming Pool
Interior
Kitchen corner – living/dining room – 1 double bedroom – 1 twin-bedded room – 1 bathroom
Private entrance is up one step into the spacious living/dining room with fireplace. At one end of this room is a kitchen niche with gas range. The fridge is in the dining room next to the kitchen and is hidden in a stone wall. On the left of the living-room is a hallway with doors to a double bedroom, to a twin bedded room and to a complete bathroom with shower.
A panoramic glass door in the living room opens onto a short flight of stairs leading to the apartment’s rear and to the furnished, private garden area. From here guests have access to all the rest of the grounds.
Both bedrooms can be set with double beds or twin beds. The apartment is furnished with Art Deco. There is a combination safe.