The Spedeletto Castle farmhouse is built in the ancient granary of the castle dating back to the twelfth century along the route of the via Francigena, which in the Middle Ages connected Rome with northern Italy. Apartments and rooms furnished with classic Sienese style furniture are quiet and comfortable, with exposed beams, terracotta floors and offer magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Castello di Spedaletto History
The ancient Castello di Spedaletto rises in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO world heritage site, along the road from Pienza to Bagno Vignoni. In the Middle Ages the area was of particular importance, as it was linked to the Via Franchigena, the main communication route that crossed Europe for its entire length.
The construction of Spedaletto Castle was commissioned by Ugolino da Rocchione as a fortified welcome place for the thousands of travelers and pilgrims going to Rome: since 1263 the complex was managed by the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala of Siena and among its guests boasted famous people such as Charles II of Anjou and Pope Pius II who also issued a bull in favor of the church of Spedaletto.
The castle has a square plan with towers at each corner and appears to protrude with stone corbels and crenellation along the entire perimeter, a splendid fortified access gate with a powerful keep in its defense. The remakes of the late fifteenth century are evident, such as the slight slippage of most of the wall circuit and the loopholes for firearms in several places. In the first courtyard we find immediately left of the door the Gothic church of the hospital with a splendid facade enriched by a rose window and a sestiacuto portal, on the right a second access door, embellished with stone crests, leads into a second courtyard, heart of the fortification, from which you access the keep and the walkway.
During the fifteenth century restoration work was carried out that modified the original medieval appearance, giving it the features of a "gancia" (fortified farm), while it dates back to the nineteenth century the addition of a building with warehouse functions.
Restructured in full respect of its centuries-old origins, it now hosts a farmhouse which is flanked by the mill with millstones where the organic cereals of the estate are processed and from which the "pici", a typical dish from Val d'Orcia, are produced. bread and other types of pasta available to guests.
The tourist service includes two apartments and double rooms with bathroom, furnished with antiques typical of the Sienese countryside. The accommodations are located in the old barn and have TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and a fan. Every day begins with a breakfast of sweets, cold meats, hot drinks and homemade products.