Photos courtesy of Castel di Luco
The first documentation mentioning the castle dates back to 1052 when Pope Leone IX gave his seal, stating the castle was under the control of Bishop Bernardo II. This document is in the archive of the Ascoli cathedral.
In 1445, Luco nobleman Pietro di Vanne Ciucci left the castle to lead a force to free Ascoli from the rule of Rinaldo, the brother of Francesco Sforza, duke of Milan.
The castle has always been a noble residence, aside from an interlude in the 16th century when outlaws murdered the occupants.
In 1800, the castle passed into the hands of the Amici family, whose descendants welcome you today.
Pamela’s Perspective
I love castle hotels that are still owned and managed by descendants of the original families. Instead of selling off the property and living somewhere else, a lot of heart and pride goes into maintaining the family domicile.
Be aware that the four suites of the Castel di Luco are not in the castle proper, but just down from the castle in a tiny hamlet. Unlike other castle hotels with the same set up, I wouldn’t let this phase you in the slightest. This is an utterly charming hotel. And cheers to hosts Laura and Francesco Amici, who have kept the prices reasonable.
Take note, too, that rooms aren't air-conditioned.
Castel di Luco
An 11th-century castle
Contact
Località Castel di Luco
63040 Acquasanta Terme
(Ascoli Piceno)
Tel: ++39 0736 802 319
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
4 suites
Suites: 140 euros
Open: all year
Getting there
Acquasanta Terme is about 20 km west of Ascoli Piceno. You really need a car to get around in this area.
What to do
Nearby: National Park of the Gran Sasso (Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso); Ascoli Piceno; horseback riding; skiing; swimming; tennis
This wonderfully preserved, 1000-year-old castle is unique for its circular form. At the base of the castle is a very tiny hamlet where the four guest rooms/suites are located.
The Amici family live in the castle itself, with part of this main structure converted into a romantic restaurant. Guests climb a stairway carved into the rock, which leads to a medieval room with vaulted ceilings and original wall frescoes.
The guest suites down in the hamlet are original structures dating back to the 1400s. They were the former homes of craftsmen who served the castle. Later these rooms became stables and hay lofts.
Wood-beamed ceilings, travertine stone walls, original brick floors, and antique beds give a suitably medieval air, while bathrooms are thoroughly modernized. Suites are named after the grandmothers of the Amici family; the Elena suite has its own terrace. All have views of the countryside.
Something special
Romantic restaurant
Hosts are the Amici family who have owned the castle for 100s of years