Stay In A Storybook Castle – A Review of Castello Valenzino, Umbria -

Cosy up in a castle and idle away the hours in a unique hotel setting.

Remember that time you slept like Sleeping Beauty in turreted luxury?

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Whispers of Italian folklore intermingle with the ambience of an authentic stay within the walls of Castello Valenzino.

A gate near a curve on the road to San Giovanni del Pantano leads guests up to a grey hulk of ancient stone, set within a few acres of terraced gardens. Bees buzz, busied with the sweet scent of abundant lavender, whilst olive trees gracefully brush their ashen green foliage against the medieval walls in rhythm to the Umbrian breeze.

LA STORIA

Perched on the verdant hillside as though an illustration from Basile’s Pentamerone, Castello Valenzino seems to belong to a fairy tale set in some far-off land. It’s easy to imagine courtiers with pointed hats and bustling dresses prancing through the rooms, knights on horseback approaching from the nearby towns of Umberide and Assisi, bread baking in the immense stone fireplaces.

A stay at Castello Valenzino feels like stepping into a story set in the past. It captures the imagination, stirs the deepest romance and evokes the timelessness of Italian elegance.

CASTLE CHARACTER

Almost like a structural fortress, historical walls flank the Castello’s central tower to reveal an archaic past. Dating from the thirteenth century, early records indicate the castle was once a sacred site. Later documents point to Castello Valenzino as a noble residence for hunting trips. Today, the royal and the rustic converge through sympathetic restoration.

Renovated as a charming accommodation option, Castello Valenzino offers a mixture of independent apartments and rooms. Each chamber retains period furnishings to provide an authentic atmosphere replete with original features.

Seeped in an air of aristocratic resonance, the castle still boasts exposed ceiling beams carved from the most ancient of trees. Thick walls of exposed stone along with steep staircases exhibit the architectural style of the medieval age. Arched doorways and narrow slit windows – just wide enough to shoot a bow and arrow from – testify to the castle’s once strategic identity. It’s like travelling back in time to another world!

Even with all these incredible features from a bygone age, the Castello still caters for its contemporary guests with all twenty-first century expectations – electric lights, hot water and reasonably good Wifi – so even the most aspiring of knights can feel at home within these castle walls. Inviting beds with fresh linens and soft towels ensure comfort along with room fans and blankets for whichever season you visit.

Meanwhile, modern day indulgences include jacuzzi baths in several rooms for a touch more lux, a wine cellar for organised tastings and the benefit of a small kitchenette in a select number of suites – the perfect option should you wish to stay for longer as ‘Lord-and-Lady’ of the manor!

Whilst the larger suites offer even more character with their open fireplaces and private outdoor terraces, the double rooms are bigger than usually expected for such an ancient setting. The Torgiano Room opened out into a tasteful lounge, an entire suite with a sofa and TV room leading on to the bedroom. A spacious bathroom with ample shelving completed the set up with views overlooking the valley.

The furniture is tastefully on cue in its stylish simplicity; it is evident that the whole site is impeccably clean and well maintained. Dried flowers placed in vases catch the eye, little offerings as though Medieval Morandi’s, echoing the artist’s gentle tones with the addition of sparing glints of crimson and ochre petals – coloured jewels in the castle’s holdings.

Castello Valenzino presents historic allure and inklings of magical lore, induced in a world of relaxation, rest and rejuvenation. Fling open those narrow windows and breathe in the scented Italian air! Take in the glorious views of the rolling hills! Marvel at the blue sky dancing far above! Survey your kingdom as the sun sets lazily in the quiet of evening.

Slip into slumber inside your castle room, secluded by the thick stone walls with history in their heart. Rise with the sound of birdsong and the hum of cicadas, refreshed and ready to take in the grandeur of the landscape and all that Umbria has to offer.

A STATELY SETTING

Prance out into the Castello’s gardens. Seek shade under the little pergolas or parasols lining the swimming pool. Although small in stature, this square of blue sparkles like a topaz in a tiara under the Italian sun. Plunge in to cool off and refresh as you take in the Castello’s surrounding views. . . .

Golden fields of honeyed linen gracefully drape the hillside, wrapping its dells in their folds of wheat and corn. Luscious thick forests border this harvest, as though a ruff around a Venetian merchant’s neck. The depth and darkness of the glade hides mystery in umber tones. Could this have been King of Woody-Valley’s castle, father of the unhappy princess?

A little stream runs in the darkness of the wooded hollow – as though running tears to fill a jug for awakening the beloved – the Valanzina beck from which the castle receives its name.

BEYOND THE CASTLE WALLS

Castello Valenzino is the perfect base to unwind and enjoy exploring ‘The Green Heart of Italy’. A region famed for its vineyards, truffles, pilgrimage sites and an annual jazz festival, Umbria is the authentic alternative to more crowded destinations. Breathtaking views and warm hospitality along with the slower, more relaxed pace mean Umbria offers something a little different!

Assisi, Gubbio, Perugia and Montone. So many historic towns and villages sigh in unison with Castello Valenzino. Discover fine dining beneath terracotta tiles, fashion in full swing through the winding streets and Basilicas decked out in renaissance splendour.

Umbria is the birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. With the UNESCO complex in nearby Assisi, this certainly helps to put Umbria on the map as a major centre for Christian pilgrimage and spirituality. Marvel at Cimabue’s masterpieces within the apse, spectacular examples of Byzantine Art.

Eager for more?

For your fill of spectacular medieval art including icon paintings and exquisite predellas as well as special exhibitions, head to the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria. Housed in the beautiful Palazzo dei Priori, seat of the City Council since the Middle Ages, the GNU is the only Italian public building to house a national museum.

And oh what treasures await!

For adventure seekers Monti Sibillini National Park and Lake Trasimeno offer the chance to get close to wildlife whether hiking, biking or swimming.

From olive oil to Deruta ceramics and Montefalco linen, artisanal souvenirs reflecting Umbria’s traditional craftmanship, famed since the middle ages, can be found on almost every street corner.

And for chocolate lovers, don’t miss Perugia! Europe’s largest festival dedicated to chocolate – EuroChocolate – is held here every year, following the tradition of Lusia Spagnoli’s Baci Perugina – hazelnut treats inspired by Hayez’s painting ‘Il Bacio’ (The Kiss), complete with a lover’s message.

Now that’s a contemporary Fairytale!

And if you fancy a personal tour to discover more of Umbria’s hidden gems, museums and historic sites, consider booking a knowlegable and multi-lingual local via Go With Guide. From photography to Vespa themed tours, Go With Guide‘s tour leaders present special opportunities to learn about the regional way of life in a fun and relaxed way, matching your personal needs and interests.

PENDOUR PRO-TIP

It is essential to hire a car, or moto, to reach Castello Valenzino. The location is quite isolated and this part of Umbria is very hilly! The nearest shops and restaurants are good 15 minutes drive away, so be prepared to navigate narrow streets – you can’t go wrong with a Fiat 500!

CASTLE COLAZIONE

Breakfast is served early at Castello Valenzino and like many places in Italy, it is not a big meal! Fresh breads with butter and spreads along with croissants and fruit tarts are available, served with coffee and juice.

Enjoy colazione in the privacy of your suite or dine in the banqueting room, surrounded by tasteful tapestries, the elegant stonework a fair companion. Rough hewn walls and flagstone floors all add to the ambience of castle life!

STORIA ONIRICA

Feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a bygone age of damsels in distress, knights in shining armour and rural living. A stay at Castello Valenzino is a destination for sweet dreams in the Fairyland of the South.