Castello di Pieve San Quirico (a historical house dating back to the 11th-13th century) is a luxurious residence catering to the most discerning travellers, those who require the services of a luxury hotel but prefer the privacy, comfort and independence of the atmosphere of a real home. Perched on a hill, overlooking the Upper Tiber Valley, north of Perugia and Assisi and halfway between Florence and Rome, the Castle is positioned at the centre of the Tenuta Bagnara, a splendid agricultural farm estate spanning 590 hectares, which is made up of plains and hills. Nestled inside the estate are 5 medieval castles, woods, meadows, pastures, areas for animal breeding, artificial lakes, streams and about 6 km of the banks of the Tiber River.
The history of Castello di Pieve San Quirico
The first settlement dates back to the 11th century and was established to defend the San Quirico church, which then became a parish between the dates of 1100 and 1200. In the 13th century, the Castle was enlarged by Frederick II of Swabia and took on its current appearance, characterised by the inner courtyard and the splendid octagonal tower, which was typical of fortresses in Frederick’s era. In the 18th century, the medieval church located within the castle courtyard was demolished, and the Pieve, a large 18th-century church, was built on the northern part, oriented east-west with 11-metre-high vaulted ceilings. Eight small columns were added to the top of the tower to accommodate the bells. The church had always been dedicated to San Quirico and was mentioned in Frederick I’s diploma of 1163, in which he ‘receives under his Imperial Protection the Cathedral of Perugia and places the churches under the same authority’.
Luxury agritourism accommodation in the “Torri di Bagnara” watchtower
Together with the adjacent ‘Torre di Bagnara’ (an 11th-century historical residence), the Castle and the Tower form the tourist villa rentals known as “Le Torri di Bagnara Castles”, luxury agritourism accommodation offering a unique experience in this extraordinary complex of Medieval Historical Residences that are steeped in history and nature. The entire Bagnara Estate— at the centre of which Castello di Pieve San Quirico is also located—has belonged to the Giunta Tremi Counts since 1901. This noble family, great-grandchildren directly descended from Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, takes great pride in welcoming their guests and offering them 5-star aristocratic hospitality.
The Castle was renovated in 2005 and has been converted into a luxury home with 7 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms (sleeping 15), offering breath-taking views combined with complete privacy, and a panoramic veranda, a billiard room, a bar room, a fully equipped kitchen, a meeting room, a panoramic terrace and a laundry room. Guests can feel free to immerse themselves in the exclusive atmosphere of luxurious rooms, each one different from the other, all furnished with authentic antique furniture, air conditioning, a telephone, WIFI, a safe, a mini fridge, a hairdryer and a panoramic view. The large private bathrooms all have a bathtub and a rainfall shower, high-quality towels and bed linen, and complimentary toiletries. There is also a large consecrated church available to guests for weddings, concerts and meetings (70 seats).
The tower apartments
For larger groups, apartments are also available in the nearby Tower (accommodating up to 15 guests), which can be rented in addition to the Castle. Outside is the large medieval courtyard surrounded by lemon trees, which lends itself perfectly to candlelit dinners, weddings and private events.
Garden-park and panoramic pool
The extensive 5,000 square metre garden-park surrounding the Castle was designed by famous Tuscan garden architect Alberto Margheriti. It features a large panoramic saltwater swimming pool (120 square metres), a wooden loggia, a BBQ, an outdoor shower, a court for playing ‘bocce’, a children’s play area and a botanical garden. Guests also have access to table tennis, mountain bikes for adults and children and table football.
Facilities and services: accommodation, weddings and private events at Castello di Pieve San Quirico.
Accommodation
The Castle is rented exclusively, on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday, between April and the end of October. Concierge services, customer assistance, cleaning and breakfast are included in the price. In addition, lunch and dinner, tastings, cooking lessons, truffle hunting on the Bagnara estate, guided tours of Umbria and nearby Tuscany, hot air balloon rides, transfers and many other services are available upon request.
Accommodation is provided for a maximum capacity of 15 people. Fifteen additional places are available, upon request, in the nearby Torre di Bagnara tower (historical residence dating from the 11th century). The Castle is available for exclusive rental only, and the apartments in the nearby Tower can only be rented in addition to the Castle.
The garden
The 5,000 square metre garden was designed by the famous Tuscan garden architect, Mario Margheriti, and has a small botanical garden with medicinal plants, a BBQ, and a ‘bocce’ court. There is also a second terraced garden of 3,000 square metres with a children’s play area, a BBQ and a magnificent panoramic terrace. In addition, the Castle is located within a 590-hectare estate that offers circular trails with picnic areas, perfect for walking and cycling excursions and exclusively available for guests of the Castle.
Personalised services
Guests staying at the Castle will also benefit from a comprehensive range of dedicated guest services and individual touches for a luxurious and comfortable holiday: concierge and guest assistance, maid service, breakfast service, gardeners, pool attendants and maintenance are all included in the price. Upon request, additional services are available, including a catering service (professional chefs and waiting staff), wine, truffle, and extra virgin olive oil tastings, cooking classes, truffle hunting on the estate, yoga classes, helicopter tours of Umbria, various types of transfers, and event and wedding planning services. A team of experts is at the guests’ disposal – from the time of booking until departure – to create a personalised programme of activities and excursions for the entire time of their stay.
Weddings and other events can be organised for up to 90 people. The Castle has been authorised and approved for the celebration of on-site civil wedding ceremonies.
Directions to the Castello
Castello di Pieve San Quirico is very accessible, as it is only 4 km from the ‘Resina’ exit of the E45 (Ravenna-Viterbo) Superstrada, which connects directly to the A1 Motorway (Rome-Florence) and the A14 Motorway (Bologna-Bari). Perugia is just a 15-minute drive away; Assisi, Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno, Todi and Tuscany can all be reached in just 30 minutes.
Places of interest in the vicinity
Shops, a tennis court, riding stables and an excellent 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent- Jones Jr are all in the vicinity.
Nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site: the city of Assisi can be reached in just 25 minutes by car.
Nearby Pilgrimage Routes: the Castle is also ideally positioned for those wishing to discover the ‘cammino’ route of San Francesco (25 minutes by car).