Tuscany and Umbria, The Heart of the Countryside in the Heart of Italy
It?s true that other regions in Italy are lusher, have taller mountains, more fertile valleys and a more temperate climate. But in Tuscany and Umbria the serenity and joy of their rolling landscapes, their winding lanes and their cypresses pointing in silhouette to the heavens are harder to challenge.
Castello di Spaltenna, Italy
I stayed at Castello di Spaltenna (www.spaltenna.it/en/home). Opened in 1970 and under new management in 1985, it?s an independent boutique hotel beside the Romanesque Parish Church of Santa Maria, a 1040 monastery currently awaiting restoration. The small monastic windows look out over the ?chiostro? (courtyard). It?s perfect for weddings and is enjoyed by all ages: particularly, it seemed, by ramblers. The 37 rooms have tasteful shots of colour beneath their authentic farmhouse beams. It has its own ceramic shop and its vineyard produces its own rosé. Look out for the miniature red robot called Ambrogio that mows the lawn with great industry. Castello di Spaltenna, Italy
Half an hour?s drive away was Siena as I walked back up from its dipping ?campo?, the famous piazza where the two annual ?palio? are staged, surrounded by dramatic steep cobbled streets and harmonious ?Siena? brown buildings. And nice and close by was my car (as it?s best to park right by the San Domenico football stadium).
Photo courtesy of Ristorante Bagoga, Sienna
While in Siena I recommend eating at Bagoga (www.ristorantebagoga.it), named after a famous local jockey and rest...
Source:
Upscale Living Magazine
URL:
http://www.upscalelivingmag.com
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Rolex Perpetual 1908 in Platinum with Guilloché dial
26-04-2024 09:46 - (
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