On the hills to the south-west of Gubbio, nestled on a natural terrace overlooking Valle dell’Assino joining Gubbio and Umbertide, Niki’s Resort is located, an old village from 1137 composed of the Church of Santa Maria di Agnano, its fortress to defend the territory consisting of a central body with a tower that served as a lookout post on the valley below, in addition to another building.

Set in an atmosphere from another time, along “the paths of silence” that characterised the spiritual history of Umbria and Le Marche, influencing social life from 1200 onwards, Niki’s Resort has been completely restored, maintaining the original materials and forms, with furniture designed with care to respect the simplicity, style and atmosphere of a small jewel of medieval architecture and history.

THE HISTORY
The complex dates back to 1137 as stated by a bull of Pope Innocent II addressed to a man named Benedetto, who was appointed to the rectory of San Mariano at the Cathedral of Gubbio. With this bull, the pope reiterates what belongs to the various canonical churches scattered throughout the diocese, including one called “Plebem Santctae Mariae de Algnana”.

For Pieve, it meant at the time a church where it was possible to perform baptisms, so much so that Angnano had a baptismal font, which is now on display at the Diocesan Museum of Gubbio. It seems that the origin of the Pieve di Santa Maria di Agnano dates much farther back, namely to 416 A.D. and this was obtained by a decree of Pope Innocent I to the Bishop of Gubbio Decentius referring to the cult and rituals practiced in the church.

The logo of Niki’s Resort is a lamb supporting a cross. The lamb is a symbol of peace, identifying the church of Pieve d’Agnano (lamb) by a low stone relief from the year 800 A.D.

This bas-relief is now in the custody of the church of Camporeggiano, located at the foot of the valley below the complex we manage. This bas-relief must be returned to the original church from which it was taken, to protect and preserve it. A radical environmental restoration was also carried out

THE RESTORATION
The restoration of the buildings took place under the direction of the Superintendent of Monuments of Umbria, adhering carefully to the architecture of the period, intervening with normal maintenance works on the outside and radically restoring the frescoes. A radical environmental restoration was also done, while maintaining the original vegetation, the layout of gardens and historic access routes.

SUITE NIKIS
60sqm room, double bed for up to 2 people, living room with fireplace and large bathroom with shower, air conditioning, underfloor heating, TV with sky vision gold and in-room safe.

CAIS ONE
Apartment consists of two double bed in one room, living room with one double sofa beds, outer space and a bathroom with shower for a total of six person.

THE RESTAURANT
Nikis Resort offers an internal catering service exclusively to its customers, for the entire high season period. Thanks to our chef’s creativity, the use of fine products and marvellous locations where dinners are served, Nikis Resort proposes new menus on a daily basis to make your stay at our beautiful structure even more special. You can request the half board option when booking.

SPA & WELLNESS
Our SPA surrended by nature and an amazing panorama offers an original finnish sauna, jacuzzi and an area for relax. The SPA menu offers several treatments; including massages and amenities.

WEDDINGS
The Nikis Resort is the ideal location for your wedding. Immersed in the Umbrian countryside, the Nikis Resort offers a unique setting to celebrate romantic and unforgettable moments. The professionalism of the staff, the efficiency of the offered services and the unique atmosphere that you feel while walking between the church and its fortress, makes this place just unique. The Resort has a minimum number of 25 guests to a maximum of 120 for all events, including weddings.

GOLF
Nikis Resort offers the possibility to train your short game putting, bunker shots and approce on our golf area that has an magnificient view on the Umbria green hills. For reservation contact the reception. (mettere foto green con panorama).

For playng 18 holes nearby the Resort we have Antognolla Golf, Perugia Golf, Lamborghini Golf or The Royal Bagnaia Golf. For reservation please contact the Resort reception or directly the golf club.

Rooms: 9

Price: from 92 EUR per night

Source: www.nikisresort.com

An ancient village immersed in the woods renovated and transformed into a real resort. A unique place in Umbria, immersed in an estate of 320 hectares of unspoiled nature. The ideal destination for a romantic stay or weekend.

Restaurant, boutique rooms, ICEA certified farm, hydromassage pool, walks in the woods and many other holistic services will frame your stay or your weekend towards a Premium experience for body and mind.

Our Resort marries the new frontier of wellness: the holistic experience. Not “only” discoveries, visits to Gubbio and its surroundings, organic food and fun, but many opportunities to rediscover yourself in an atmosphere of total peace.

A journey, or rather a dream among nature, eco-sustainable structures and outdoor activities: trekking in the woods, mountain biking along the trails of the Estate, meditation, yoga and much more.

Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia is immersed in the woods and fields that separate the city of Gubbio from that of Umbertide. The location of the Borgo, in the beating heart of Umbria, allows you to comfortably visit the medieval villages of Umbria, such as Gubbio and Assisi, but also Perugia and Montefalco, the wine village, up to the shores of Lake Trasimeno.

STAY IN A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
Immerse yourself in the green heart of Italy, the Estate that embraces the Borgo Santa Cecilia extends for 320 hectares, 200 of woodland and 120 arable land, about a hundred of which are part of the Natura 2000 network, a system for protecting the environmental and landscape heritage, and constitute an ideal habitat for wild boar, roe deer, deer, hare, partridge, pheasant, woodcock and partridge. Due to its biodiversity, it is a unique landscape to visit in Gubbio.

FIDELITY TO THE ORIGINS
Borgo Santa Cecilia was born thanks to a conservative restoration of an ancient medieval village surrounded by the Umbrian countryside.

The restoration has given rise to a sought-after union between fidelity to the origins, visible in the stone walls, in the exposed wooden beams of the ceiling and in the ancient doors, and the refinement of the interior design solutions that characterize the furniture, the dining room lunch and special attention to detail in all environments.

SPIRITUALITY AND NATURE
On the estate you can also visit the Church of Santa Cecilia (a finely restored and still working religious jewel), stroll to the river Mussino (a tributary of the Tiber), and bathe in the famous “cups”, rocky conformations that form natural pools with fresh river water, as well as visiting the cave of Santa Cecilia, a place of pilgrimage for thousands of faithful each year. A natural heritage of Umbria and the territory near Gubbio.

RELAX AND LIVING
Staying in Borgo Santa Cecilia doesn’t mean just relaxing in your bedroom. The large living room on the ground floor, with its bookcases and seating area where you can experience intimate moments with yourself, the dining room with fireplace and the relaxation area, are available to all guests, thus becoming the beating heart of the Borgo.

THE CELLAR OF BORGO
Inside the Borgo, in a room protected from the sun and heat, there is the most precious room of all: the one where we store our seasoned artisan salami, cheese and the finest bottles of wine. It is a unique place, where the smell of smoked mixes with that of conservative molds, creating an atmosphere out of time.

GENUINE FLAVORS AND RESPECT FOR NATURE
The Borgo Santa Cecilia farm is located in the hills opposite Gubbio, at a height of about 650 meters. The land is bordered at the bottom by the river Mussino, a tributary of the Tiber and is surrounded by woods, ancient villages and cultivated fields.

An area of 104 hectares is used to cultivate cereals, fodder and olive trees following the rules of organic farming.Part of the harvest, which includes wheat, spelled, barley, oats, chickpeas, lentils, peas, field beans and alfalfa, is used to feed pigs and lambs raised exclusively in the wild.

The fruits of the harvest and the products deriving from our farms then, as well as for the sale, are used to supply the kitchen of the restaurant of the Borgo, which uses the excellent raw material to provide our guests a real sensorial experience.

SUITES
We offer our guests double rooms and suites of various sizes, all soundproofed with private bathroom, modern comforts and refined design, but different from each other in colors, furnishings and layout.

PANORAMIC SUITE
Elegant and unique panoramic suite with a unique view of the Apennines. Composed of a double double room with two Queen Size beds, with modern and elegant furniture, latex mattresses with memory form. Large living room with corner sofa, table and furniture with TV.

This Suite is located on the second floor and takes up the entire floor, wooden parquet is located throughout the suite, including the bathroom. Ceiling entirely with open wooden beams, with four Velux to flawlessly illuminate the suite.

Large habitable bathroom furnished with all comforts, with two-meter shower cubicle in masonry and glass. Professional hair dryer, with handcrafted solid wood furniture and magnifying mirror.

VILLA WITH JACUZZI
Prestigious villa for those who love privacy and comfort. Composed of a large living room, an open fireplace and a hot tub with heated water for four guests, a roof with exposed wooden beams and a high ceiling. Bedroom with white furniture, queen size double mattress, wardrobe, bedside tables and dresser.

Large window overlooking the valley. Second bedroom with bunk beds. Large bathroom with handcrafted solid wood furniture made in Italy, large two-meter-wide glass shower enclosure, professional hair dryer and magnifying mirror.

Independent heating in all the rooms of the Villa, with the possibility of lighting the fire, taking the wood from the woodshed placed outside. Private patio with armchairs and tables and reserved parking.

SUITE DELUXE
Suite located at first floor, composed of a large living room with a corner sofa bed, a design armchair, with modern furniture with a view of the garden, excellent soundproofing with a parquet floor.

Large bedroom, with queen size memory foam latex mattress, finely furnished, with walk-in closet and bright window. Comfortable bathroom, with handmade furniture made in Italy, professional hair dryer, large glass-enclosed shower and wooden parquet.

JUNIOR SUITE
Junior Suite composed of a bedroom with a double latex memory foam bed, a double window with a unique view of the olive grove and the Tenuta valley. Small living room with single bed and design armchair, also here a window overlooking the valley.

Bathroom with all comforts: Italian handicraft furniture, professional hair dryer and large glass shower cubicle. This room has the beauty of having a private Patio equipped with seats and a table overlooking the valley, where you can sip a glass of wine and watch the sunset calmly.

DINING
The restaurant of the Tenuta di Borgo Santa Cecilia is an excellence in Gubbio, and is characterized by a quiet and elegant atmosphere, and the quality of the food served.

The raw materials used are almost all self-produced in the territory of our estate, through organic farming, pig and lamb breeding in the wild. In addition to roe deer, hares, pheasants and wild boars, game that populates the area surrounding the village.

The rest of the products are purchased from neighboring farms, such as the cheese, produced by Raimondo, a Sardinian shepherd, who has been carrying out this activity that his family has been carrying out for 3 generations. The pride of our restaurant are the ham from the Borgo which can reach 6 years of maturation, unique not only in Gubbio, but in Italy.

The kitchen of the restaurant is in the hands of Alessio Pierini, a young chef originally from Gubbio, who, after having studied at the ALMA, the school of Maestro Gualtiero Marchesi, and worked in the kitchens of starred restaurants and Italian and European luxury hotels, returns to his hometown, to offer his experience and create real dishes, full of knowledge, but with a genuine flavor.

In the dining room Giuseppe Onorato, a young Sommelier who loves good food and good drinking, who, in addition to telling the dishes, suggests the best wines to combine with the chosen courses.

PARTIES, WEDDINGS AND MEETINGS
In our farm every kind of event becomes a special day to remember for a long time: here you can organize birthday parties, graduation parties, anniversaries, baptisms, communions and weddings, entrusting us with the catering service or by contacting an external catering.

Borgo Santa Cecilia is the perfect location to celebrate an anniversary or celebrate a wedding with loved ones, as it can accommodate up to 30 guests.

If you decide to celebrate your wedding in our Borgo and book the entire hotel for 7 days, we will be happy to give you an exclusive gift! Lunch or bridal dinner with special menu and decorations are included in the price of the stay!

LET YOURSELF BE PAMPERED
The structures in the countryside and in the middle of nature are beautiful, but generally do not offer many services. For this reason in our farm we have decided to provide an All Inclusive experience, including a wide variety of free included services, such as Wi-Fi satellite, the hydromassage pool, Bike rental and Tesla electric charging station.

Obviously for the most demanding, we cannot miss more articulated services like Yoga lessons, Truffle hunting and cooking classes in which to learn the traditional Umbrian cuisine and the art of homemade pasta. All this makes the experience at Borgo Santa Cecilia an excellence among the hotels in the territory of Gubbio.

YOUR HOLISTIC JOURNEY
Rediscover yourself and your balance. Borgo Santa Cecilia wants to be a refuge from modern life and its frenetic pace, a place and an experience in which to relax one’s soul and regain one’s balance. Within our Estate you have 320 hectares of nature to explore, where you can meditate or relax.

There is also the Church of Santa Cecilia and the cave where the Saint lived, a place with a mystical atmosphere and visited every year by thousands of pilgrims. The food prepared in our restaurant is strictly organic, and the rhythms inside the Borgo are slow and follow the jolt of the wind.

For even more immersive experiences, you can book Yoga classes, participate in birdwatching sessions, take a horse ride or simply enjoy our breathtaking sunsets.

CHOOSE WELL-BEING
A stay at the Borgo Santa Cecilia flows in harmony with nature, which can also be contemplated from the comfortable solarium and the relaxing swimming pool with hydromassage from which to admire the Apennines just above Gubbio.

To experience the experience of the Borgo more deeply, it is possible to engage in organized and engaging activities such as birdwatching and truffle hunting or even hiking, both by renting a mountain bike, along paths that lead to easily reachable destinations, but from fairy tale, like the Passo del Lupo.

Rooms: 6

Price: from 159 EUR per night

Source: www.borgosantacecilia.com

Castello di Petroia is an authentic medieval fortress, dated back to the IX – X century, situated in Umbria, called The Green heart of Italy. Nestled on a hilltop between Perugia and Gubbio it offers a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape. The Castle was restored between 1982 and 1990, carefully preserving the authentic medieval structure.

Castello di Petroia is settled on a hilltop, surrounded only by woods and green. You can lose yourself admiring the endless landscapes, walking along the trails and feeling the quietness of Nature.

It is rich of arts, history and enchanting medieval stone towns such as Gubbio, Perugia and Assisi. A lot of world famous cashmere and pottery crafts, together with wine and Olive oil experiences will make your journey in Umbria unforgettable.

THE HISTORY
The origins of Castello di Petroia are to be found in the year 1072, when the independent town of Gubbio built castles to protect its territories. In 1384 the Count of Montefeltro occupied Gubbio and became both the Lord of the city and the Castle. 30 years later the Castle was sold to the Accomanducci family.

On 7th June 1422 the young Elisabetta degli Accomanducci gave birth to Federico da Montefeltro, the famous Duke of Urbino and one of the most important Italian Renaissance warlords. Castello di Petroia had different owners over the centuries. Many famous families lived here:

• In 1396 the Count Galasso da Montefeltro bought the Castle and the lands of Petroia.
• In 1414, Matteo degli Accomanducci from Urbino purchased Petroia.
• In 1458 Elisabetta degli Accomanducci inherited the entire property and received feudal titles that remained in the family for three generations.
• In 1487 Guidubaldo da Montefeltro gave the castle and its lands to Alessandro Reggeri from Canossa. The property remained in the hands of his family for 4 generations.
• In 1617 Camilla di Canossa, who had no children, donated the Castle to Monte di Pietà of Reggio Emilia (a mortgage institution for charity).
  In 1629 Monte di Pietà sold the Castle to the Ugolini family.
• From 1823 on, the Castle and its lands belonged to the Benveduti family (marquises of Gubbio).
• In 1925 (on Good Friday) the whole property was bought by David Sagrini and 20 years ago, Carlo Claudio Sagrini turned it into “Castello di Petroia relais”.

ROOMS & SUITES
The Castle has 16 exclusive bedrooms. Like real works of art they still have original wooden beams, stone arches, antique furniture and painted ceilings.

SUITES IMPERIALE
Such an unforgettable and romantic experience! Four Suites, some with stone arches, dark oak wooden beams, elegant curtains, very luxurious bathrooms with pearl mosaic tile shower and round Jacuzzi. All with nice view overlooking the valleys, these Suites are the perfect hamlets for couples.

SUITES REALE
Two top floor Suites, with mansard ceiling and view over the inner Castle courtyard and the watch Tower. One has an iron four poster bed and the other one has fine modern touches.

MEDIEVAL TOWER
Settled in the upper part of the fortress and built in the early XI century, this square medieval Tower is an extraordinary example of defending architecture. The Castle Tower is an intimate and lovable space. It is divided into 3 floors, each one of them is 10 sqm large.

Through the bedroom windows you can see the entire valley: you’ll feel like sleeping back in the middle ages! On the top floor (at the height of 18 metres) there is a panoramic terrace: you’ll look over a 360° landscape. Each floor is connected with steep and tiny stairs, but very fascinating. Although the Tower is not as comfortable as the other suites of the Castle, it throws you back into a fairy tale!

BEDROOMS NOBILIARE
Two pastels painted bedrooms, with oak wooden beams, stamps from the 18th -19th century, elegant and quiet. Noteworthy are the beds: a wrought iron from the early 19th century and a 18th century hand wood painted one, with turned wooden columns.

THE RESTAURANT
Castello di Petroia restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner, surrounded by the beautiful original stone walls, the wooden timber ceiling and all tables lit up by candles. From the small loopholes you take a glimpse of the surroundings.

The creativity finds its supreme expression in our Chef Walter Passeri. His cooking philosophy is based on enhancing the genuine Umbrian products. You’ll will have the chance to experience the Chef‘s special medieval dishes.

Everything here is exalted by the experience and politeness of our maître Paolo, who will lead you with competence and attention in your culinary and wine experience.

This hall is so called in honor of the Accomanducci family, Counts of Petroia. Guido Paolo degli Accomanducci was the major of Florence in 1429 and his daughter Elisabetta gave birth to Federico da Montefeltro, on June 7th 1422. He was one of the most important dukes and warlords of Italy during that time.

COOKING CLASS
If you are fond of cooking and would like to learn how to prepare Italian meals you can assist the cooking classes of our chef Walter Passeri. The recipes and cooking advices that have been kept in the hearts for generations are within reach of anybody here at Castello di Petroia. Thanks to his passion and skills you will be able to enjoy Italian food even once you are back home.

Classes are small, no more than 6 to 8 persons, creating dishes according to the individual interests of the participants. The focus is on fresh high quality seasonal ingredients and typical Umbrian specialties “zero miles food ” such as truffles, porcini mushrooms, Pecorino cheeses, and Torta al Testo.

Traditional hand-made pasta dishes, gnocchi, sauces, homemade bread and cakes, specialty desserts, distinctive local wines and extra virgin olive oil from our farm are also featured. The classes are kept on a base of at least 2 meetings: the morning is dedicated to the preparation and the evening -to taste the meal prepared.

GUIDUBALDO HALL
The Guidubaldo Hall has remained authentic since the Renaissance with its two fireplaces, the oak beams, the 18th century windows with the best view of the Castle. It is located on the “Piano Nobile” (first floor).

During the day this lounge is a perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea, a nice book, some music or just relax. It can be reserved to organize private events, such as family reunions, special anniversaries, birthdays or romantic dinners, surrounded only by candle lights.

THE BREAKFAST
Enjoy your morning culinary experience with the smiling Izabella. Our breakfast is served in the Guidubaldo hall – the view here is breath-taking, the scents of hand-made pastries, Italian coffee and daily fresh bread will awake all your senses. Our breakfast philosophy can be described in 3 word:fresh every day, healthy with attention to allergies, handmade by Izabella.

“CHIANINA” VEAL BREEDING
Castello di Petroia farm is dedicated mostly to the “Chianina” Veal Cattle: our 90 veals pasture inside the entire estate. The “Chianina” was a well-known breed by Ancient Romans, used mostly to work the grounds. Today it is a valuable veal meat and with its PGI certificate (protected geographical indication) is a guaranty of quality. You can taste it personally in our restaurant.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 
In October the harvest of one of the most precious products of our land begins. Handpicked olives are daily brought to our cold press Oil mill and turn into “l’Oro de Petroja” – our Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It has a straw yellow colour, a sense of fresh cut herbs, a bitter and well balanced spicy taste, thanks to the ancient olive trees variety.

TRUFFLE
The overabundance of “Truffle Plants” inside the 600 acres estate of Castello di Petroia, the proper climate and landform, create the perfect conditions for the growth of the Umbrian black Truffle. Our Chef will make you taste it with some delicious pasta or meat dishes in our restaurant.

HONEY
There are some bee colonies living in the natural surroundings of Castello di Petroia. They are very important for our eco-system, because testifying a high quality environment and help pollination. The bees find horse chestnut, acacia, lavender and many fruit trees flowers and thanks to their work, our farmer harvests every year a sweet and ambered honey.

HAND-MADE JAMS 
Quinces, apricots, pears, figs and walnuts are just some of the hand-made jams produced by “Signora Natalia”, the Lady of the Castle. With a unique flavour combination, our delicious Jams are BIO, served every morning at breakfast and during an aperitif with matured Umbrian cheeses.

THE PARK
The Castle estate extends for more than 600 acres. It is really exciting to walk along the 13 km marked trails in this untouched wilderness, passing across woods and meadows. and sometimes even having amazing encounters with roebucks, foxes, pheasants and others.

Following a narrow path down the hill just outside the walls of the Castle you’ll find our swimming pool surrounded by roses that colour the green scene. You can feel the peaceful atmosphere, listening to the singing of the birds, admiring the beautiful sceneries, reading, drawing, contemplating or just lying under the shade of an ancient olive tree.

TRAILS
It is a great opportunity for those who would like to experience both some trekking activities and a complete on foot holiday. We have recovered the old rural routes and some trails traced by cattle animals passages.

This natural environment has a native Flora, with a rich varieties and not exploited by pesticides or chemical compounds. You can have amazing encounters such as roebucks, foxes, pheasants, birds, butterflies and fireflies in summer.

A great fauna which finds in this territories the peace to live in and reproduce. Our trails lead to the famous “Franciscan Path of Peace” (Sentiero Francescano) which connects the town of Assisi to Gubbio.

LANDSCAPE
As most of the medieval fortresses, the Castle is surrounded by an antique farm (600 acres) where you can find a quiet swimming pool, walking and horse riding trails, our “Chianina” veal cattle, meadows and woods and different species of wild animals.

Here you’ll find a beautiful dark sky to admire stars and constellations far from any light pollution. Castello di Petroia won the prize as one of the most beautiful dark skies of Italy. Castello di Petroia is a piece of heaven.

BEAUTIFUL UMBRIA
The”green hearth of Italy” is one of the most authentic region in Italy. Castello di Petroia is a medieval Castle, dated back 12th and 14th century, perched on an Umbrian hillside, between Perugia , Assisi and Gubbio. It doesn’t get more fairy tale than this: enchanting bedrooms, where you’ll feel like sleeping in history, looking at the endless breath taken views over the surrounded meadows.

GUBBIO
The first inhabitants of the town were even older than the Romans. You can still see the rests of a Roman theatre outside the walls of the town and various antiquities all around. The town development began during the XIV century. One of the most important buildings of the town is Palazzo dei Consoli, in gothic style.

Inside it you’ll find the Archaeological Museum and the Art Gallery. There is an amazing suspended piazza in front of the palace . You should not miss the visit to the Cathedral built on the site of a previous Romanesque church. In front of the Cathedral there is Palazzo Ducale, built by order of Federico di Montefeltro (one of the most important dukes of Italy, born in Castello di Petroia in 1422 ) during the Renaissance.

There are a lot of festivals in the town during the year. “La Corsa dei Ceri” in May is a historic event, which is certainly the most emotional and crazy of the year. It is organized in honour of the Saint patron of Gubbio – Saint Ubaldo. There is a historic crossbow competition as well.

PERUGIA
Perugia is the capital town of Umbria 30 minutes’ drive from Castello di Petroia – it is the main city in Umbria and where you’ll find gorgeous churches, cathedral historical buildings from the Etruscan and Romans, the National gallery museum.

Perugia is also an University City and it’s known for its devotion to the development of arts and culture. During the Etruscan era in Italy, Perugia was one of the main cities and prospered greatly due to its central location.

Today the city still maintains this tradition and hosts many festivals and events during the year such as the Umbria Jazz Festivalin July, which became one the most important jazz event in Italy, or the Chocolate Festival in October.

If you love foodie, don’t miss the authentic delicacies of the town: first the Chocolate, here was invented the famous “Bacio Perugina”; the Truffle and handmade Pasta is a most and the typical dessert in the name of the St. Patron of the town called “Torcolo di San Costanzo” .

ASSISI
Assisi is well known all over the worlds as a UNESCO WORD HERITAGE Site. The Franciscan Order was born here together with St. Francis who had an important impact on the Catholicism. Reach of art, Roman and Etruscan building it is also a site where you can admire some of the most amazing work of art of Italian culture.

The massive Cathedral of St. Francis, build right after the Saint death, where you can admire the frescoes from Giotto , Cimabue, Martini all representing the life of the Saint. Saint Clara church, the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli just outside the town, the Temple of Minerva, Rocca Maggiore.

If you look to enjoy some time between art but also nature, just above Assisi is the natural park of Monte Subasio, where you can experience some trekking and other . The landscape from there is speechless. The food: the typical food here are the Mostaccioli of St. Francis – a sort of cookie made with wine cooked must.

NATURE ACTIVITIES
Monte Cucco Park includes the northern-eastern territory behind Gubbio delimited by the ridge of the Apennines among which Montain Cucco stands out (1,566 metres). Mt. Cucco Park is very green. The luxuriance and vastness of the high-trunk tree woods almost entirely covering the eastern slope of the Park includes centuries-old specimens of beech tree, maple, ilex tree, chestnut tree and yews.

Extraordinarily there are also some specimens of silver fir, an autochthonous evidence of the ancient forests of the Apennines. The particular climate of the area creates the perfect wind conditions for paragliding or hang-gliding activities.

All year round it’s possible to practice hiking, trekking or mountain biking along the 120kms marked trails. You can also visit the cave called “Grotta del Monte Cucco” which is more than 30 kms. long and more than 900 metres deep. It is one of the most important underground systems in Europe and is definitely one of the most studied caves in the world.

TRUFFLE HUNTING
The overabundance of “Truffle Plants” inside the 600 acres estate of Castello di Petroia and the right climate and landform, create the perfect conditions for the growth of the Truffle. Underground, close to Oak and hazel trees, our incredible dog finds the Umbrian most well-known product – the delicious black Truffle.

The young truffle hunter, Jassine, knows the places where truffles usually grow, so called “Tartufaie”. The inseparable dog Stella, a beautiful female specimen of Kurzhaar, completes the work digging precisely where the noble product lays.

In the evening the fresh truffles are brought to our Chef who will prepare a delicious dinner for you, enhancing all its extraordinary qualities. The Truffle Hunt experience is an opportunity for a pleasant walk through fields and woods inside Castello di Petroia.

AUTUMN TIME FOR OLIVE OIL
When the colours of the surrounding woods begin to shade into yellow, red and orange it is time for us to start harvesting a precious fruit – the olives. Through the windows of the Castle you can admire the spectacular autumn scenery while tasting the new Extra-virgin Olive Oil, together with the typical toasted bread “Bruschetta”, sitting in front of our centenary fireplaces.

In your room you will find some delicious Olive Oil chocolates and an unforgettable gift, a bottle of our “L’oro de Petroja”. You can also feel the relaxing benefit of the Olive Oil directly on your skin – ask for a private ensuite room Massage – the warm olive oil will relieve you from stress, pains and neck, shoulders or back stiffness.

MONTEFALCO WINE TOUR
Whether you love red, white or dessert wine, the Montefalco wine area nearby is the perfect wine-growing place to explore. Home of the Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG (native vineyard), here you can find a good quality production of other varieties as well, such as Grechetto and Trebbiano white DOCG and sweet wine like Sagrantino Passito.

We offer you a tailor made experience guided by the English wine expert Mark. He’s a native from Great Britain, who decided to live in Umbria with his family and share his passion for wine with others.

Rooms: 13

Price: from 177 EUR per night

Source: www.petroia.it