Photos courtesy of Castello di Petroia
Similar to other hilltop towns in Umbria, the Castello di Petroia was built to protect the town and its surrounding territory. It is thought Petroia’s origins date from the 9th century, with clear documentation in 1073.
In 1384, the count Antonio da Montefeltro became lord of the town of Gubbio, whereby its existence as a free town ended and became part of the Duchy of Urbino.
And what’s a castle without a romantic scandal? In 1422, Elisabetta degli Accomandugi gave birth to an illegitimate son, Federico. The father was the husband of the lady Elisabetta was companion to. Not a problem though. Pope Martin V, who was the uncle of the cheated upon wife, legitimized Federico. Federico later became duke of Urbino and one of the most famous patrons of the Italian Renaissance.
Over the centuries, ownership of the castle passed through various families. In 1909, David Sagrini purchased the castle and surrounding lands, and his family retain the property today. From 1982-1990, the entire castle complex underwent a complete restoration.
Pamela’s Perspective
For those of you with your own car, try to arrive at the castle during daylight hours, as the final kilometer up the hill is on an unpaved road with hairpin turns.
Castello di Petroia
A 12th-century castle
Contact
Loc. Scritto di Gubbio
06020 Gubbio
(Perugia)
Tel: ++39 075 92 02 87
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
13 rooms
Double rooms: 120–210 euros
Suites: 180–260 euros
Rates include breakfast
Open: mid-March through mid-January
Getting there
The castle is about 13 km south of Gubbio off of statal road 298. Look closely for a signposted driveway. From here it’s another 1.4 km up a steep unpaved road.
What to do
On site: seasonal swimming pool
Nearby: horseback riding; hiking
Weddings
Yes. Contact hotel for details.
The Castello di Petroia is a wonderful discovery for those of you who love intimate hotels with personalized attention.
Once you climb the hill and buzz your way through the gate, you’ll find a medieval complex with views commanding the idyllic Umbrian landscape, as well as a genuinely warm welcome by the hotel staff.
Guest rooms can be in any of three buildings: the Castellare Maggiore, the Castellare Minore, and the Mastio, or old watchtower. All are furnished with fine period pieces, while oak beamed ceilings give a rustic touch. Walls are accented with 18th- and 19th-century paintings and prints. A few rooms have open fireplaces and Jacuzzis. One room has a large stained glass entryway.
If you don’t mind steep steps, the tower apartment can be fun for the adventurous. Three rooms are configured on four levels. You enter into a small sitting room on the ground level and a steep spiral stairway leads down to the bathroom, while another stairway leads to the bedroom above. From the bedroom you can climb yet another level to an outside terrace with a private solarium and terrific views.
The “don’t miss” event at the castle is the evening dinner. The castle’s gracious owner, Carlo Sagrini, personally hosts the dinner and gets to know his guests. Meals begin with an aperitif on the terrace, followed by several more courses in the charming Sala degli Accomandugi. Your host will regale you with tales of the castle’s past, as well as offer suggestions for you to enjoy the surrounding area.
Something special
Concerts, exhibitions, and special medieval themed events.