Castello Banfi

In the heart of the splendid territory of Montalcino, just 16 kilometers from its center, stands the Castle Poggio alle Mura, also known as Castello Banfi. Its history began in 1438 when it was built on a hill near the confluence of the Orcia and Ombrone rivers, although it is certain that it was a fortified construction dating back to before the year one thousand. Around the second half of the thirteenth century there is the first enlargement work, so as to make it one of the largest manors in the entire Sienese countryside. Other works took place during the 1600s while a wing of the fortress was rebuilt during the restoration of the current property following the damage suffered during the Second World War.

The owners of the castle include the families of the Tolomei and the Placids, the Republic of Siena. Today the property belongs to Banfi SpA which has made it an important enotourist center.

The castle, of a more or less regular square shape, is articulated around a courtyard, three sides are occupied by various buildings, the fourth is closed by a curtain wall. On this front opens the main door surmounted by a defensive apparatus to protrude. A crenellated tower stands out from the complex. Along the outer perimeter you can, in some points, still notice the basement escarpment and the beautiful tower at the north corner, the only one with still the original medieval appearance. On the north side there is a second door, which is accessed by a ramp [later addition] in stone resting on two large arches. The courtyard of honor is a splendid example of Renaissance architecture [as modified when the castle became a 'palace'] with low arches on octagonal pillars, a large fireplace, vaults, decorated lunettes and a Medici coat of arms dating back to the 16th century , following the fall of Montalcino. You can still see some loopholes, placed today just above the ground level. This testifies to the fact that the area in front of the walls has been raised: originally, access was via a ramped ramp. With the subsequent addition of internal buildings, a second service portico has been created, with no decorations.

The exterior of the structure, thanks to the skilful renovation, have maintained the original forms, but it is in the interior that you are pleasantly surprised by the wealth of comfort and the airy and finely furnished environments. The 14 accommodations reserved for guests of Borgo del Castello are divided into 9 rooms and 5 suites, each one different in size, location and furnishings but all of which are combined with classy choices in the furnishings and fabrics used. Comfortable king-size beds, bathtubs or spacious waterfall showers, beamed ceilings, terracotta floors and exposed stone arches in a classic Tuscan style are combined with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a safe. security and minibar that upon arrival will be provided with a complimentary selection of wines of Tenuta Banfi.
Castello Banfi offers two restaurants: "La Taverna", located in the rooms of the ancient cellars of the castle, proposes the traditional recipes of Montalcino and Tuscany where the products follow the seasons, with a la carte menu or with delicious tasting menu; "La Sala dei Grappoli", open for dinner, welcomes its guests in an elegant and charming setting, while in the warm season it is possible to dine outdoors on the terrace, surrounded by the scents and charm of the Tuscan countryside.

Outside the complex a heated swimming pool dominating the expanses of vineyards offers pleasant moments of relaxation, while for those who want to keep fit even during the holiday there is also a small gym.

Of course, you can not forget to take a guided tour of the cellars and taste the wines in what is one of the most famous wineries in the world, visiting the Banfi wine shop or the Balsameria where the Etruscan sauce is matured or even at the museum of glass and wine.