Hotels in Castiglion Fiorentino

Alfeo and Miranda are incredibly proud of the work that they have undertaken to fully restore the once 13th century Convent ‘Le Santucce’. For your interest they would like to share a little of the ancient history which was first documented in the year 1234. Benedictine Nuns first inhabited the building complex, relocating from their original home in Cozzano to the relative safety found within the ancient walls along Via Piana, originally a crossroad of major urbanistic importance in the development of Castiglion Fiorentino in the 13th century. Remnants of this first monastic centre are still visible which include a balcony characterised by pointed arches and oval window overlooking a vegetable garden. The 15th century (1470) witnessed the expansion of the Convent and the construction of a new church positioned along the road which was documented as measuring ‘thirty arms in length’. In 1551 the Nuns obtained permission to open an entrance in the walls in order to extract earth from the gardens and build cellars. Sixteen buildings situated at Monte di Via Piana were bought to fulfil the requirement for extra space. These were later demolished in order to position the first stone of the new Convent completed in 1697 connecting the Via Piana by a bridge. Unfortunately, a fire in 1707 seriously damaged the structures, resulting in the death of a nun and a partial collapse of the Church and of the adjacent part of the Convent. The scripture archive was also sadly lost. Restoration work completed the reconstruction of the last three levels and the adjacent Church which was re-modernised with stucco decoration. The Order of the Santucce was ordered to close in 1810 and the complex became privately owned, used as residences divided into apartments. The bombardment of Castiglion Fiorentino during the Second World War (1943) was extensive and many buildings suffered damage, including the convent which was partially destroyed. The gradual but intensive labour of love embarked upon to realise its reconstruction began in 1997 and was completed a decade later in 2007. Alfeo, who is an engineer by profession, has personally overseen every aspect of the work which includes an ample art studio space presided over by his talented wife Miranda.

Located in the beautiful medieval old town of Castiglion Fiorentino, the apartment overlooks one of the typical villages of the area. The interiors, recently renovated, retain the original architectural style with vaulted ceiling and brick wall in stone. Ideal for those who want to spend a quiet holiday and at the same time enjoy the typicality of the place, the odour of freshly baked bread and daily contact with people of the area. The entrance of the apartment leads into the living room/kitchen, with just a few steps that lead to both the lower part of the apartment that houses a sofa bed and bathroom, and the top part where you can find a nice warm bedroom with bathroom/shower.