At the gates of Perugia, on a hill overlooking the underlying green valley, stands the Castle of Monterone, an ancient residence dating back to the thirteenth century that now houses a comfortable hotel. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city you can stay in a quiet and relaxing environment, delighting the palate with Umbrian specialties served at the castle restaurant.
Castello di Monterone History
Immersed in the green Umbrian landscape, located on a hill near Perugia, stands the Castle of Monterone. It is located along one of the streets that in medieval times were called regal streets that led out of the city through the main gates along the same road axis already used by Romans and Etruscans.
Already in the III century a.C. in fact there was a settlement in this town, as evidenced by a cinerary urn and bronze ornaments found in the castle garden.
The actual structure of the castle is however datable around the XIII, as declared by the noble Gerardo di Ghislero di Alberico in a document of 1200 preserved in the historical archive of Perugia. About 60 years later, the history of the Castle of Monterone is intertwined with the mysterious vicissitudes of the Knights Templars who about a kilometer away built the church of San Bevignate with the adjoining convent. According to tradition, supported by studies of the 800, the castle became an integral part of the properties of the Templars, also serving as a shelter for pilgrims.
After the suppression of the order of the Templars the castle remained abandoned for a long time, up to the medieval period, when it regained an important strategic value during the numerous wars that shook the town of Perugia.
In the nineteenth century the fortress became the property of the Pillecer family, a family that had among its members numerous personalities who distinguished themselves for artistic or social merits, such as the painter Bernardino Piceller or the flutist Giuseppe.
During the period of the Second World War the castle became a shelter for the soldiers and suffered various damages during the various occupations and bombings. Today, after a careful restoration work respectful of the original structure, the castle has returned to its former glory.
Each of the 18 rooms reserved for guests is different from the other, with stone walls, wrought iron beds, antiques and furniture made by Umbrian artisans, without forgetting modern comforts.
In the annex of the castle there is a wellness area, equipped with a sauna and a Turkish bath, while in the park there is a magnificent swimming pool with a whirlpool. The pride of Castello di Monterone is its restaurant, where the protagonist is the local cuisine, with fresh and genuine flavors of tradition.
This beautiful period residence is also proposed as an ideal location for hosting conferences, meetings and wedding receptions. The large internal halls with vaulted ceilings welcome guests in a sober and elegant atmosphere, while in the warm season you can take advantage of the cloister surrounded by centuries-old holm oaks, admiring the splendid Umbrian panorama from the panoramic terraces.