Villa di Piazzano

The Luxury Villa di Piazzano is an “Historical Residence” dating back to the Renaissance. Once the hunting manor of Cardinal Silvio Passerini, the Villa today offers genuinely warm hospitality, reminiscent of an old-world country estate where the Italian ritual of welcoming guests is maintained to the highest level.

The hotel is strategically placed on the border between Tuscany and Umbria and thus a good base to visit the many medieval towns in both regions. Pienza, Montepulciano, Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Deruta, Gubbio, Assisi are just a few of the nearby attractions.

The proximity to Cortona makes the hotel a good base for those travellers who want to be close to town (10 minutes by car) yet still be able to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Italian countryside. We sincerely hope that you decide to come and experience in person the magical atmosphere of this ancient estate.

THE HISTORY
The Villa di Piazzano is classified as an historical residence (Residenza d’Epoca). It was built in the early 1500s by Cardinal Silvio Passerini, a protegè of the Medici’s, to serve as his hunting manor. There is evidence, however, of an earlier building on the site dating back to 1464.

At one time the property extended for 360 hectares up to the top of the hills which separate Piazzano from Lake Trasimeno. Today hunting of wild boar, pheasant and other animals still takes place in the surrounding hills during the hunting season.

The hills, which now serve as a beautiful backdrop to the Villa di Piazzano, and where Cardinal Passerini and his entourage once hunted the elusive wild boar, are also of historical importance.

It was in these same hills that, many centuries earlier, the Carthaginian general, Hannibal, defeated the Roman army in the bloody Battle of Trasimeno.

In fact, the Carthaginians ambushed the Roman army at a place now known as Sanguineto (bloodshed) and it is thought that the Roman army had set up its campsite in Piazzano which was its “piazza d’armi”. Today Sanguineto is a tourist site and many events of the battle are recorded along a well marked route.

After the mysterious death of Cardinal Passerini in 1529, the Villa remained property of the Passerini family and later became a convent.

The bell tower of the old convent is still visible on the roof and the bell itself carries the coat of arms of the Medici’s. A careful eye will pick up many interesting details of this Renaissance palazzo leading one back to the times of the powerful Medici Family.

After a careful restoration of the main Villa and its many adjacent buildings, the property was brought back to life and opened to the public in 2001 as a refined refuge for the more discerning travellers.

THE LOCATION
Cortona has a medieval atmosphere with elegant renaissance buildings. It’s imposing fortification dates back to the time of the Etruscans. Here, it is pleasant to stroll through the ancients streets and alleys with its many craftsmen’s ateliers.

A stop in the main piazza is a must with its impressive town hall and medieval buildings. The Etruscan Museum is located in the elegant Palazzo Casali, where one can admire numerous artefacts of the ancient Etruscan civilization.

One of the most important pieces is a bronze chandelier dating back to the 5th Century B.C. In September 2005 a new wing was inaugurated making this the most important Etruscan museum of the region. Not to be missed the “Annunciation” by Beato Angelico in the Diocesan Museum, the most important work of art on display. The painting dates back to 1430.

SUITES
Our suites are each unique in style and location within the property. Ultra comfort king mattresses, soft pillows and exquisite signature bed linens will pamper you by night. Elegant furnishings, soft colours and extended amenities are there by day to ensure an experience of pure comfort and luxury. All our rooms are non smoking.

ROOMS
The distinctive feature of our rooms is that these are not hotel rooms. They are rooms of a 500 year old Villa each retaining its particular atmosphere, features and location. The main distinctions between each category are based on size, furnishings, amenities and outlook. All our rooms are non smoking.

L’ANTICA CASINA DI CACCIA
Our inspiration: the pleasure of introducing you to what our land has to offer, with dishes which revisit the local tradition.

Our philosophy: We believe in maintaining the classical elements of an original recipe, using ingredients and local products of high quality, which have allowed us to form part of the “0 Km” philosophy. An opportunity to produce fine food while sustaining the environment.

L’Antica Casina di Caccia is a fine dining restaurant. It offers revisited dishes drawing inspiration from the signature dishes of the greatest Italian chefs and special plates of game meat that honor the history of the manor.

The cuisine of Chef Raffaele Serafini is a fusion that respects the local traditions adding modern techniques and innovative ideas. In the summer months, unusual setting under the ancient oak tree with its view towards Cortona and the stunning sunsets contributes to the magical atmosphere of this dining option.

PASSERINI LOUNGE
The Passerini lounge is open every day from 08.00 to 23.00 and serves a variety of drinks and cocktails. Our bartender will spoil you with some great classics and special creations

THE WINE CELLAR 
A special feature of the Villa di Piazzano is its very ancient wine cellar dating back to the 1400s. The ancient building techniques used to construct the underground wine cellar ensure a constant temperature of 16 degrees celsius, thus providing a perfect microclimate for some of the finest Italian wines.

The port-holes, strategically placed create the constant ventilation necessary to avoid humidity. In the wine cellar we organize wine tasting evenings on specific dates in the summer. The cellar can also be rented privately to small groups for special theme dinners or wine tastings.

THE COOKING SCHOOL
Our cooking school completes an experience at the Villa di Piazzano, bringing into the picture an essential element of Italian lifestyle: cuisine. Over the years we have developed fun half-day cooking sessions where guests can participate and learn how to make a full Italian meal from start to finish.

Our lesson includes learning how to make an antipasto, first course, main course and dessert. Refreshments are served during the lesson and the experience concludes with lunch in the garden accompanied by a good bottle of local wine.

THE SWIMMING POOL 
In the summer months the Piazzano pool is maintained at a constant temperature of 28 degrees celsius.

THE GARDEN 
The garden is a place of refuge and contemplation. The many birds and butterflies which change with the season and bloom, set the mood for a magical location to relax, where silence is interrupted only by the singing of birds and the sound of nature.

Intense aromas of lime trees, oaks, cypresses, but also of beautiful antique roses, lavender, peonies, gardenias and jasmine permeate the air with their scent. The kitchen garden with it’s selection of aromatic herbs and vegetables completes the natural surrounding of this ancient villa’s gardens.

Rooms: 21

Price: from 406 EUR per night

Source: www.villadipiazzano.com