Photos courtesy of Castello di Ripa d'Orcia
The first documented evidence of Castello di Ripa d’Orcia’s existence dates from the 13th century when a political consortium of related aristocratic families sold the militarily strategic property to the Republic of Siena.
The Salimbeni family acquired the castle, village, and surrounding land and ruled it as an independent state.
Finally, in 1484, the Piccolomini family, ancestors of today’s owners, took over the property. As was the fate of so many other European castles of the era, new developments in the technology of warfare made the defensive nature of castles obsolete. The Castello di Ripa d’Orcia turned to agricultural production for its subsistence.
Pamela’s Perspective
Despite its imposing size and position on the hilltop, the castle and surrounding architectural complex is more of a working estate and home than a hotel with hotel services. Check-in is between 3-6 pm; check-out is 10am.
You definitely need a car to come here. Be warned that you must drive 5 km on a dusty, gravel road to reach the castle. For those of you who might be put off by that, just imagine how travel was back in the Middle Ages, or even the 19th century, for that matter. Lying off the main road ensures a blissful state of peace and quiet.
Parking is outside the castle walls.
There’s no A/C, but usually a cooling breeze keeps the temperature comfortable.
If you have children under 14 years of age, the self-catering apartments are available. The bed and breakfast rooms are reserved for those over that age.
Castello di Ripa d’Orcia
A 13th-century castle
Contact
Località Ripa d’Orcia
53023 Castiglione d’Orcia
(Siena)
Tel: ++39 0577 897 376
Fax: ++39 0577 898 038
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
6 double rooms (in village)
8 self-catering apartments
in village.
Double rooms: 90–135 euros
2-night minimum stay
required
Rates include continental
breakfast and tax
Self-catering apartments available from 110 euros (minimum stay 3 nights)
Open: beginning of April through October
Getting there
Castiglione d’Orcia is about 38 km south of Siena on Route SS2, or 10 km west of Montepulciano. You will need a car to get there.
What to do
Nearby: tennis; swimming; horseback riding; cycling; hiking; Siena; Tuscan hill towns
Well off the beaten path, this castle is a wonderful hideaway for those who want to hear only the sounds of chirping birds in the morning and see only the lights of the stars and moon at night.
Massive walls surround the castle and former village, or borgo. Here you’ll find either the regular guest rooms let on a b&b basis or the self-catering apartments.
Guest rooms come in a variety of styles: some have fireplaces, views, or massive beamed ceilings. All are very comfortable with large bathrooms and are furnished in a rustic style. None of the guest rooms is in the castle, but in the village outside the castle. The castle serves as the proprietor's residence; therefore, tours are not available.
Apartments have kitchenettes equipped for easy cooking, nothing elaborate. The nearest food supplies are 5 km away.
The castle restaurant serves highly regarded dinners.
A long garden with a fountain is a wonderful place to sit and relax, read, or simply enjoy the sweeping views of vineyards, olive trees, and forest of a surrounding nature reserve.
Something special
Serenely quiet and away from civilization
The castle produces its own wine and olive oil.
The castle hosts are descendants of the Piccolomini family who have lived here for over 500 years.