Palazzo di Varignana

Palazzo di Varignana is a prestigious, elegant venue on the Bolognese hills. An eighteenth-century villa, restored to its original splendour, is the setting for an exclusive location for relaxing stays or business events.

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
For the most sophisticated guests, a real 76 square meter apartment, the perfect synthesis of design, comfort and style. A privileged location, modern and refined furnishings, a large and bright environment with parquet and large windows, offer guests an elegant and classy stay.

This luxurious Suite is equipped with a sitting area and a sauna that connects the bedroom with the main terrace of 20 square meters in which there is a hot tub. The second terrace, in the bedroom, offers one of the most fascinating 360 ° views of the entire resort.

Equipped with: 55 ” LED TV with Mediaset Premium, minibar, air conditioning, internet via cable and Wi-Fi, safe for laptop and / or tablet, Nespresso coffee machine, private parking.

THE VILLA AMAGIOIA
Amagioia is divided into two floors and offers interiors with a timeless charm, in which classic and modern elements have been harmoniously combined. The recent renovation has created a welcoming but at the same time refined environment, respecting the original design.

The ground floor has two comfortable bedrooms for 4 people both with private bathroom. The living room is bright thanks to its large windows and offers direct access to the garden.

An imposing wooden staircase leads to the first floor with another living room and three bedrooms: two deluxe rooms and a junior suite, both with private marble bathrooms. The master bedroom features a walk-in shower, which connects the bedroom with the bathroom.

The two floors of the residence are connected by a beautiful two-storey library designed by local artisans. On the ground floor, a conservatory of over 40 sqm leads to a private garden with oaks part of a unique collection in Italy.

Guests have access to a private 100sqm infinity pool, a 19sqm hot tub and a large solarium from which they can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills. All meals can be consumed at the resort’s restaurants. Guests can also decide to book a private chef service or cook by themselves in the perfectly equipped kitchen on the ground floor.

IL PALAZZO RESTAURANT
The elegant Il Palazzo restaurant is located in the most stunning building of the Resort, where style and beauty are the setting for the most sophisticated dining venue.

Our original gourmet dishes have been created from a painstaking and expert interpretation of the tradition of creative cooking and local cuisine. For more discerning palates, dishes are paired with meticulous attention to detail, making the most of all their flavour and nutritional aspects.

The sophisticated, stylish interiors, perfectly accompanying the historical setting of the Villa, combine with a cuisine that exalts noble tastes and a strong local tradition which is also focussed on a new contemporary approach.

The five elegant, discreet dining rooms can accommodate up to 50 people, while a separate dining room for 24 may be booked for special occasions. Our exclusive wine cellar offers a selection of local wines alongside prestigious national and international labels – perfect for accompanying a unique gourmet dining experience.

AUREVO RESTAURANT
Standing in the grounds of the Resort, with large windows overlooking the pool and water features of the solarium, AUREVO Pool Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a unique alternative for a relaxing poolside lunch or dinner, admiring the stunning surroundings.

Aurevo is a tribute to our Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Green Gold of these lands, precious fruit of the olive groves that today draw the profile of the resort, that has become the soul of our kitchen: a direct, contemporary and sustainable cuisine, a meeting between Emilia Romagna Region and Italian excellences, the result of the work of a team of young and creative chefs, capable of giving new life to tradition.

LOUNGE BAR
Wonderful outdoor terraces overlooking the stunning surrounding nature, with its wide variety of cocktails, the Lounge Bar is the perfect place to enjoy delicious after work aperitifs or relaxing after dinner during the weekend. The charm of an intimate and elegant bar that can become the ideal venue for events and business meetings.

LE MARZOLINE
For those who love the great culinary tradition of the Emilia-Romagna region, Palazzo di Varignana proposes “Le Marzoline” restaurant, a homage to the typical “trattoria” of the bolognese area, immersed in the lush greenery of the hills surrounding Varignana.

An ancient 2 floors country house completely restored and designed to accommodate a total of 90 people in the indoor area, while during the summertime another 100 can be accomodated in the charming exterior dehor.

WEDDINGS
A small, charming consecrated church inside Palazzo Bentivoglio is the perfect location for symbolic ceremonies, with vintage cars, tailored menus with locally grown products of our territory and our event planners at your complete disposal.

We take care of all the aspects of your wedding and will check any single detail to create the magic that only a professional may guarantee, with creativity and originality.

For intimate and reserved ceremonies, up to a maximum of 70 guests, we offer Villa Amagioia, an elite and highly suggestive location, thanks to the extraordinary natural scenery that surrounds it, with a 5 – hectare park and private swimming pool.

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Parties and private celebrations, corporate events, gala dinners, receptions, cocktail parties, buffets, presentations, fashions shows and other events can all be catered for in a perfect setting, thanks to our Chefs who can advise on the best choices, creating bespoke menus for your needs.

Palazzo di Varignana Studios is part of a wide range of professional services intended for the congress world. The Studios present a professional television set for streaming and broadcasting your events, meetings, conferences or commercials.

Available: 100 meters of virtual set with 30×30 cm American ring, guaranteed synchronous band up to 200 + 200mb, green screen 7.5 x 3 my, ledwall 450 x 250 cm and control box with 6 stations of 16 sqm

A cutting-edge technological service supported by partners of excellence for the organization of private or corporate events, both live and recorded, in an elegant and refined setting

The historical wine cellars of the Villa lead out to an elegant and spacious foyer, from where the 300 m2 Congress Centre can be accessed, with natural light and large windows with black-out blinds – the perfect venue for every type of event.

A gallery of precious objects and antiques links to the Belvedere Area, a 770 square meters of multi-functional location on two levels, perfect both as an exhibition space and as a location for banqueting, fashion shows, music and dance events, receptions and presentations.

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Varsana Spa Health & Wellness – the spa in its new concept discovers its Health dimension, which is the vocation of a holiday dedicated to the knowledge of new lifestyles, for those who want to find a better physical shape and a greater mental balance, balancing stress and energy for total harmony between body, mind and psyche

VARSANA
The traditional path of VARSANA SPA, included in the overnight stay, is 3 hours and includes: access to the Grotta dei Calanchi and the Cava d’Oro Bianco, swimming pools with hydromassage, Finnish sauna, Mediterranean sauna, Turkish bath, emotional showers, hydrosound pool and relaxation area with herbal tea corner.

OUTDOOR POOLS
The outdoor pools are available to our guests in the period between May, 15th and September.

TREATMENTS
Let VARSANA SPA’s wellness professional team surprise and pamper you with its traditional yet innovative approach to personal care and well-being techniques.

FACIAL TREATMENTS
Each facial treatment is a perfect opportunity to indulge and get your glow back. Treatments can also be enjoyed as a couple, to share an unforgettable experience.

BODY TREATMENTS
A whole host of treatments is available – choose from the most suitable for your needs – relaxing, toning, moisturising, peeling, radiofrequency.

BEAUTY SERVICES
Our beauty services, such as the SPA pedicure, SPA manicure, application of varnishes and Shellac are a must before a big event, a special evening or simply as a pampering treatment. And why not ask our wellbeing experts to book a session for you with a professional make-up artist and hair stylist.

MASSAGES
Numerous types of massages are available, from gentle, light sessions to more vigorous treatments, designed to invigorate, to enjoy alone or as a couple – to pamper yourself alongside your loved one. Our massages include LomiLomi Hawaiian, Thai and Swedish massage, reflexology, lymph drainage, as well as Hot Stone, Candle.

ARS VIVENDI RITUALS
It is in the search for the art of living that in all cultures of the world and in the most ancient traditions there are rituals for the body and mind capable of creating harmony and well-being. From Japan to Morocco, obviously passing through the great spa culture of the ancient Rome.

Ars Vivendi combines the experiential path dedicated to the typical purification of the Muslim tradition, (Hammam), with the spiritual path of the traditional Japanese bath (Ofuro) and the exclusive resources of the territory represented by the olive tree and its derivatives used for treatments and rituals back in the ancient Rome.

PADDLE TENNIS, SQUASH AND TENNIS
The Resort has 3 sports’ courts. From the synthetic resin tennis and paddle courts it is possible to enjoy a magnificent view of the hills that surround the Resort. Inside the sports area there is also basketball markings for free practise. For lovers of indoor sports there is a squash court.

The tennis courts are available from 8.00 to 22.00 every day by reservation. If you wish to rent sports equipment, please contact the reception of VARSANA SPA.

GOLF
The Resort currently features an 8-hole putting green, perfect for beginners wishing to train their short shot. A new driving range will be available from September 2021 and will have 11 long shooting positions with a wonderful view over our estates.

“Le Fonti” Golf Club of Castel San Pietro Terme, our preferred partner, offers an 18-hole course open all year round.

WELLNESS TRAILS
The private park offers a wellness trail designed to meet the needs of those who wish to carry out physical exercises at various levels, from recreational to competitive, or just dedicated to those who want to go for a walk outdoors.

Three routes of different distances (500m, 1880, 1180mt); the third route is undoubtedly the most scenic and allows you to discover two beautiful artificial lakes designed to ensure the irrigation of the gardens of the Palazzo di Varignana and Villa Amagioia. It’s possibile to count on the expertise of our wellness experts for tips on routes and difficulty levels.

CYCLING
The resort can provide city and mountain bikes for its guests to discover the beautiful landscapes of the area. In summer (May / October) our guests can also enjoy a ride with our E-bikes, perfect for uphill routes through the hills.

The bikes can be rent for free at the reception, which can suggest fascinating routes along the dorsanti of our hills based on the difficulty level.

GYM
A modern gym, exclusively for the Resort’s guests, equipped with latest-generation Technogym equipment, open 24 hours. A personal trainer is on hand to devise a tailor-made programme for your needs and help you achieve your goals.

HEALTH PROGRAMS
Varsana Spa discovers its Health dimension, that is the vocation of a holiday dedicated to the knowledge of new lifestyles suitable for those who want to find a better physical shape and a greater mental balance, balancing stress and energy for a total harmony between body and mind and psyche.

A personalized approach to the guest who discovers the added value of having a Health Coach available during their vacation. Nutritionist Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva accompanies the guest through a journey of awareness towards well-being, with attention to the latest scientific and nutritional findings.

“Our mindfulness program is highly innovative and based on the most recent scientific findings, aims to stimulate metabolic activity, fight oxidative stress and support the immune system.

From a holistic perspective, the proposals of VARSANA SPA promote relaxation and beauty with massages and personalized beauty treatments, carried out with exclusive products also based on our extra virgin olive oil. “

The new Medical Center of Palazzo di Varignana is now open. A program of activities and treatments is available to promote the immune system and metabolic activity, under the guidance of Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva.

The Medical Office makes use of the experience of Dr. Maria Immacolata de Vicariis, surgeon who will practice Oxygen-Ozone therapy. This therapy is aimed at enhacing the immune system while fighting against free radicals and oxidation of tissues.

Another innovative proposal is IV Therapy, intravenous injections of different mixes of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants.

VIVENDO VARIGNANA
There are pages of history that we would have never imagined, let alone desired, to write and today we are certainly facing one of these.

We live in a suspended reality and, to preserve everyone’s safety, all we can do is remain still and give up everyday life, a particularly heavy effort for us, because at Palazzo di Varignana our everyday life coincides with our greatest passion: our job.

Today we are all well aware that it is necessary to keep distances from each other and we have been wondering for days how to shorten them and continue to feel close to all of you.

It is for this reason that we tried to transform this hard moment into an opportunity to tell you what’s the real meaning of LIVING VARIGNANA: through stories, recipes and videos we will try to show you us, our roots, the passion we put in each of our agri-food products and how life keeps flowing, even if, for now, only “behind the scenes” ”, looking forward to meeting you again.

It is in the darkest moments that the true spirit of a community emerges and, perhaps never as today, here at Palazzo di Varignana we feel the strength of that “Heritage of Italian style” that we have in our claim.

Italy is a country with a thousand resources, which, in the face of difficulties, does not give up, but reinvents itself. We are sure that this is only the umpteenth obstacle that we will overcome, with the resilience and strength that distinguish our history, ready to raise up and welcome you again, offering you all the best tradition of Italian hospitality.

ART & CULTURE
The mosaic of Claterna, among the most ancient examples known of tessellatum, goes back to the second half of the first century before Christ, at the beginning of the great building expansion between the Augustan Age and the first century after Christ, a period in which most of the production of wall mosaics for country villas and urban domus is concentrated.

The Mosaic is accomplished in white Istria stone tesserae, pistoian black and mosaic stone cuts in various colours. Every first and third Sunday of the month from 9.00 to 11.00 will be possible to visit for free both the mosaic and the wundekammer of Palazzo di Varignana. Reservation required.

THE GARDEN
In 2015, Palazzo di Varignana adjoins to its prestigious outlets three hectars of luxurious Garden already part of the important Italian network “Great Italian Gardens”.

Immersed in the beautiful scenery of the Emilian countryside, Palazzo di Varignana’s inspiring Garden was designed by landscape architect Antonio Perazzi who created a magnificent Garden where the countryside, nature and formal features come together with irresistible spontaneity thanks to low walls, terraces, stairs, fountains and a beautiful infinity pool.

Remarkable is certainly the collection of oak trees selected by Mr. Perazzi , for a total of 100 copies with 76 different species , one of the most important arboreal heritage in Italy.

After passing a small forestal covered walk of ash trees and other native plants, one arrives at the Garden’s first part where geometric theme rooms open into each other and are harmoniously divided by hedges of ginko biloba, hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and rows of trees maple (Acer campestre) which accommodate the bushes of roses, grasses, ornamental cherry and dogwood (Cornus mas) offering a view that stretches over the picturesque landscape.

Beyond the apple blossom gallery and the roses, a green labyrinth appears (Labirinto Carlico)

It’s original plan was designed in 2015 from landscape designer Sandro Ricci who created the harmonious union of the Garden with the existing twenty-hectare park. The originality of the design of the labyrinth derives from the overlap of Ilatro hedges (Phyllirea angustifolia) and an existing orchard.

In the heart of the park, the real ornamental Garden winds its way around the former country villa, embracing it on every side. The five bedroom villa is surrounded by numerous herbaceous species, Mediterranean trees and shrubs, abundant blooms of broom and fragrant osmanthus bushes.

The private park of Palazzo of Varignana and its Garden enriched with five olive trees Olea europea, secular examples from Southern Italy.

THE RIO ROSSO VEGETABLE GARDEN
On the hillside, south west of the Rio Rosso Farm, a network of countryside paths allows to cross the Almond grove with two later varieties (Prunus Dulcis Soleta and Lauranne) and a plantation of Goji (Lycium barbarum) in slender spindle system.

To the east, a multi centenary olive tree stands on top of the terraces intended for the cultivation of aromatic and healing herbs.

At the foot of the slope, a multitude of routes offer the possibility to observe different species of unusual fruits (Asimina (pawpaw), Panachè Fig, Red Love Apple), vertical trellis of table grapes and many varieties of forgotten fruits as Jujubes or Plumcots or ancient varieties of Apple trees, Pear trees, (some also dating back to the 18th century – ‘Curato’ variety-1760).

A collection of minor Fruits, the elder grove and a Hazel orchard complete the cultivable area before the untouched woodland area, typical of our hills.

LIVING VARIGNANA
Palazzo di Varignana is a prestigious, elegant venue in the Emilia countryside. An eighteenth-century villa, restored to its original splendour, is the setting for an exclusive location for relaxing stays or business events.

UNIQUE FLAVOURS OF EMILIA-ROMAGNA REGION
The Emilia-Romagna region has always benefited from the agriculture productive capacity, with products of unsurpassed quality ensuring a unique gastronomic wisdom through the passing of time and the changes in tastes.

The famous Prosciutto di Parma and the PDO Parmigiano are just a few of the many PDO and PGI products that make this Region the European ‘Food Valley’.

EVO & WINE TASTING
The passion that the founder of Palazzo di Varignana has for the olive tree and the history of this area have led to the recent creation of new modern and rational olive groves for the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil.

Experience a journey to discover the extra virgin olive oils and wines of Palazzo di Varignana through a tasting itinerary guided by our expert sommeliers. Every Friday and Saturday At 6.00 PM

FINE DINING
A unique experience to discover the tastes and flavours of Emilia-Romagna, exploring the restaurants, osterias and tavernas that have skillfully re-elaborated the culinary tradition in a modern, imaginative way.

VARIGNANA
Distance from the resort: 0,5 km. Medieval fortress, with an antique tower and the ancient Romanesque crypt of St. Lorenzo, with massive rocks in the internal walls and precious capitals with eight columns, each entirely different from each other. A pleasant walk a few steps from Palazzo di Varignana.

CASTEL SAN PIETRO TERME
Distance from the resort: 8.5 km. A well-known city thanks to its thermal bath, located under the green hills at the border between Emilia and Romagna.

In 2005, the city gained the certification “Cittaslow” (slow city), consequently Castel San Pietro Terme entered the “International Network of Cities of Good Living” distinguished by the high quality of life and the numerous services available to citizens and visitors.

Over the signs of the original Roman and medieval plant, the old town presents a handsome seven- and -eighteenth century atmosphere, characterized by the traditional elements of the arcade that reminds a lot of the nearby Bologna.

DOZZA
Distance from the resort: 17 km. Dozza is an interesting medieval village where art plays a very important role in the cultural life of its people; the town hosts the Biennial Festival of the Painted Wall (Biennale del Muro Dipinto), an event in which artists from different backgrounds paint artworks on the walls of the houses, turning Dozza into an open-air-art-gallery.

You should visit the local landmark, the Sforza’s Castle (Rocca sforzesca), whose cellars host a Enoteca Regionale, a wineshop and winebar dedicated to oenologic products of Emilia-Romagna.

BOLOGNA
Distance from the resort: 19 km. Lose yourself in the innumerable alleys of the historical centre of Bologna, you will discover local tavernas and deli shops at every corner. Enjoy the throbbing life of the university district, just a few steps away from the Two Towers, the symbol of the city.

RAVENNA
Distance from the resort: 64 km. Ancient capital of the Roman Empire, the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths and the Byzantine Empire. Observing along the roads one notes the traces of the ancient center of the lagoon and the presence of water in the canals, closed during the Venetian domination.

The historic center of Ravenna feels in particular the influence of the Byzantine civilization, characteristics are documented by the beautiful basilicas and battisteri in which is stored the richest heritage of mosaics from the fifth and sixth centuries.

Any place in the city, from the park of Theodoric to the Planetarium, from the Garden of Forgotten Herbs to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, is easily reachable via the many cycle paths. The tomb of Dante Alighieri, who died in this city of Romagna, is located near the Basilica of St. Francis.

FERRARA
Distance from the resort: 72 km. The small town, declared World Heritage by UNESCO was the capital of the House of Este (Ducato Estense ) until 1598, the year of devolution to the State of the Church. Ferrara still preserved the tranquility of the Italian provincial towns, while maintaining its testimonies of ancient glories.

The most iconic building of the town is the imposing Castello Estense (Castle Estense ), sited in the very centre of the town; around the magnificent cathedral we still find the streets of the medieval area, with its narrow roads and tiny churches in Gothic style as well as the ancient Jewish Ghetto and Synagogue.

SAN MARINO
Distance from the resort: 105 km. The oldest Republic in Europe not only lives for history. Events, festivals, races and competitions, music and theater are all part of a series of proposals for reviving old and living new emotions for its visitors in the context of one of the most fascinating tourist destinations of the world.

From shopping to cultural events, through the review of important historical occasions, there are always many occasions to visit San Marino.

RIMINI
Distance from the resort: 105 km. Rimini is not just a holiday resort on the Riviera of Romagna, but also a city of distinctive historical and cultural level.

The Roman Colony was founded in 268 BC, on its soil Roman emperors erected monuments such as the Arch of Augustus (l’Arco d’Augusto), Tiberius’ Bridge (Ponte di Tiberio) and the Amphitheatre, while during the early Renaissance, under the Malatesta, the court was one of the most vibrant ones of its era, hosting artists like Leon Battista Alberti, Piero della Francesca, Roberto Valturio, Matteo de ‘Pasti and producing works such as the Malatesta Temple (Tempio Malatestiano).

FIRENZE
Distance from the resort: 136 km. Founded by the Romans in the first century BC, Florence is one of the most breathtaking cities in Europe. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is home to many of its most famous artistic treasures.

It has an exceptional artistic patrimony, Cimabue and Giotto, the fathers of Italian painting, the genes Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, Boccaccio, Dante.

FASHION GALLERIA CAVOUR
Live your ‘Fashion Luxury’ experience inside a cathedral of the Bolognese shopping.Located in the very heart of the historical centre of Bologna, nestled between historic buildings, a few steps away from the majestic San Petronio cathedral, Galleria Cavour has been offering the top of the international high-end fashion since the 1950s, with more than 30 shops of prestigious brands such as: Armani, Bulgari, Gucci and many others.

CASTEL GUELFO 
Just a few kilometres from the Resort, ‘Castel Guelfo The style outlet’ matches style, quality and convenience, showcasing over 100 outlet stores of prestigious brands of clothing, accessories, cosmetics and sports items.

FIDENZA VILLAGE
Fidenza Outlet Village is a Shopping Centre of excellence in the surroundings of Parma and one of the the most popular outlets of the Emilia-Romagna Region and in Italy. Fidenza Village has been designed to offer a relaxing shopping experience, a holiday strolling along the shopping avenues of a perfectly reconstructed elegant town.

The village hosts more than 100 shops and boutiques, offering a fine selection of the best brands of clothing, accessories, home items, with discounts up to 60% and more on standard prices.

VARIGNANA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Palazzo di Varignana and Fondazione Musica Insieme will meet you in 2021 of the seventh edition of the Varignana Music Festival. The Varignana Music Festival is a summer classical-music event that each year welcomes some of the most acclaimed international musicians in a series of stimulating concerts.

Developed together with the Musica Insieme Foundation, the Festival’s refined programme has an original format: at the end of every concert, a dinner with the artists extends the audience’s contact with the performers beyond the stage in a fitting conclusion to a magic encounter.

LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE
“I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve found myself answering the same question: what on earth motivated you, after a busy life traveling around the world, working in the digital sector and in the intangible Fintech industry, to invest in such a complex and tangible project as a historic resort and in Varignana?

The answer goes back a long way and has taken shape over the years, from spending time with so many people from different cultures, having branches and offices across four continents, and spending time in many hotels around the world.

I think business trips and tourism are the main activities that unite people, sharing their experiences, culture, lifestyle, food and traditions… and hotels are one of the most important places to meet.

What’s more, particularly in America, there’s a tradition: if someone has been lucky in life, at a certain point that person will want to take the success from a life of work back to the place where his or her roots lie, to leave a legacy for the future.

I naturally wanted to do this in Bologna, taking the values, work, beauty, works of art, and artifacts I’ve collected on my travels to the Varignana hills, which I’ve become increasingly attached to over the years.

In 2005, I decided to restore Palazzo Bargellini Bentivoglio, a kind of chateau, precisely to pay tribute to a beautiful area, with wonderful hills, rich in memories preserved over millennia, starting from the Roman Empire with Via Emilia and the hills where olive trees and vines were cultivated at that time.

And so this is also where we find the idea behind Palazzo di Varignana, a project of renovation and regeneration: of historical buildings, of abandoned land and farmhouses and their crops, such as olive tree and vines, which thanks to the significant reclamation of the agricultural land, have returned to mark out the profiles of the hills surrounding the Resort, where today our high quality, locally sourced produce comes from, and which we are proud to export all over the world.

Our daily commitment at Palazzo di Varignana 1705 is therefore to welcome our guests, giving them the chance to fully experience the history of this area, in the comfort offered by the Resort’s services, surrounded by the beauty of the large park and ornamental gardens, with spa experiences, fitness programs, and fine cuisine: basically everything we call “Heritage of Italian lifestyle”. (Varignana, 25 May 2020 Carlo Gherardi)

Rooms: 90

Price: from 163 EUR per night

Source: www.palazzodivarignana.com