Ever wanted to stay in a castle? How about a fortress? Pretend you’re a princess presiding over a land of subjects below you? Hotel della Fortezza can give you that feeling, and there’s so much history to be learned from this unique little village.
The Village
Tuscany is home to many well known areas and towns that most of us are familiar with. Sienna, Chianti, Pisa, Florence…and more. But then there are places that you may not have ever heard of, but it would behoove you to investigate. Take for example Sorano, which is an ancient village in the magical region of Tuscany. What’s perhaps most unique about this village is that it is one of three “tuff towns” all rolled in together. The town, which dates back to either the 3rd or 4th century B.C. was home to the Etruscans at the time.
Notably, the locals have not done any real modern construction here, and everything feels like you’ve stepped back into that page of time. The hilly town is just that – molto hilly. Stairs are abound this medieval village everywhere you go, and you will most definitely be getting your steps and cardio in here.
And among the charm of this ancient little spot, you can stay at the renowned Hotel della Fortezza, which is just what it sounds like – a hotel that has been converted from a medieval fortress.
The Hotel…della Fortezza…
I can’t say this is something I had ever experienced before or since, and it was certainly a unique stay.
With modern attributes that have been added for the guests’ comfort, the hotel itself is still perched on the top of the village’s hill peek, and several of the guest rooms overlook the entire village.
It has also not changed the monstrous staircase that you are required to climb to get from the village itself up to the hotel. But the view is well worth the ascent.
The hotel not only provides modern style rooms with the ancient, medieval ambiance and décor, they also offer breakfast each morning, and an on-site restaurant.
They even partner with a wine group that allows guests to partake in wine tasting while staying at the hotel – does it get any better than that?
Why yes, yes it does. If all of that weren’t enough, I even had the privilege to experience an in-room massage organized by the hotel. And let me assure you, the relaxing breeze coming from the open window in my bedroom with that spectacular view was a once-in-a-lifetime experience during a full body Indian massage.
I was also able to take a tour of their Medieval Museum that they have on-site which was a fascinating learning experience.
In addition to that, if you’re interested in taking a night tour of Sorano, the hotel can help you organize one through PerCorsi Etruschi Tours, also known as Vie Cave, this tour gives you a glimpse into the Etruschian pathways of the village at night.
All in all there’s not much to want for here at the Hotel della Fortezza. You are given the full treatment one way or another.
Whether you want to sip some coffee or wine out on their grand common outdoor patio; stay in your room and admire the beautiful view of the village, or have some of their antipasto specialties at their onsite restaurant – whatever it is, you’ll be enjoying your stay here.
Just make sure that when you do book your room, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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