Fortezza De Cortesi

Only 12 privileged guests in an ancient fortress of 550 square meters that has welcomed famous people including Pope Julius II and the Medici. In this secular, but spiritual place, silence is sovereign, the quietness of the rooms and the colours of the countryside regenerate the soul and the profile of the towers of San Gimignano outline the timeless landscape. For resident guests rich Tuscan breakfasts with typical local products and farm structure. Romantic or special lunches/dinners with 0 km ingredients, cooking classes and picnic pool basket on request. For external guests, only on request for a minimum of 6 people, special DOP saffron dinner.

Fortified castle of the X century and humanistic center in the Renaissance, between Florence and Siena on the Via Francigena, view towers San Gimignano, 5 km center, 5 comfortable rooms and an exclusive suite, all with private bathroom, safes, precious and antique furniture, medieval fireplaces, swimming pool, parking, air conditioning, park, Sale of oil, saffron dop and products of its farm. Situated on a hill with a wonderful panoramic view, obtained from an ancient castle with historical sources documented from the tenth century, center of cultural events and political European dirisonanza, in the Renaissance was home to Paolo Cortesi, famous humanist and secretary of Pope Julius II. Because of its high cultural value, the place is mentioned in the texts of Italian literature. Following the canons of a rigorous conservative restoration that keeps intact the charm of ancient times, an environment of 550 square meters rich in charm and precious in its uniqueness has been created, able to receive only twelve guests from 14 years of age who are offered the opportunity to enjoy a holiday of excellence. A very special farmhouse, which offers inside the rich country house of the past. Five romantic double rooms and a panoramic suite of 67 square meters located in the medieval tower ideal for honeymooners, furnished with antique furniture and fine fabrics by the renowned designer Rubelli, all different from each other. From all the rooms and bathrooms there is a magnificent view of the typical Tuscan panorama of cypresses and vineyards and of the famous towers of San Gimignano. Even in the common areas, the old fireplaces, the vaulted ceilings, the medieval stairs, the beams and the handmade terracotta floors give the feeling that time has stood still. The charm of the old country houses is preserved unchanged in the common areas and in the rooms and their bathrooms, all different from each other, but all equally witnesses of the style of the past. What we offer is a place dedicated to a few adult guests, secular, but spiritual, in which to regenerate in order to return to the daily routine, whose peculiarities are the tranquility, the slow pace of time, the regenerating power of nature. The silence is guaranteed and the quietness of the rooms, the documented history of centuries, the sense of self found are added values, rare in our day, that characterize our hospitality. The comfort is deliberately that of a cozy house and not that of a hotel. By choice throughout the house there are no televisions (but we offer the opportunity to listen to classical music in all rooms), as we wanted to preserve the primary purpose of resting and relaxing place. In all rooms wifi, air conditioning / heating, safe, refrigerator, kettle with selection of coffee, tea, herbal teas. Basic courtesy set and hairdryer in all bathrooms. The type of accommodation offered is that of overnight stay with Tuscan breakfast service based on sweet and savory typical products. For dinner here at the Fortezza we offer two options. The first one, for a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 guests, consists of a typical Tuscan dinner or a dinner of saffron from San Gimignano DOP (produced in our farm) which includes appetizer, first course, second course with side dish, dessert and drinks included. In case the required number should not be reached, for a minimum of 2 people we are pleased to offer a second chance that consists, for example, in a light dinner of bruschetta, salad, meats and cheeses. Languages spoken: Italian, French, English. Overlooking a well-kept garden with gazebo, the property includes the farm that produces extra virgin olive oil, herbs, cereals and the purest saffron of San Gimignano DOP, which ranks among the first places in the world for its excellent quality. The company applies the short chain system and supplies its products to the restaurant "Dulcisinfundo" located in the center of San Gimignano, managed by the same owners of the farm, whose guests are reserved a special financial treatment. Surrounded by olive trees there is a swimming pool with sunbeds and a pergola that provides plenty of shade and rest in absolute privacy. Private parking. Due to its convenient location, the fortress is the ideal base from which to discover the artistic, historical and gastronomic treasures of the area and to which to return to recharge your batteries in total relaxation after a day of visits to the most important cities of art and the most beautiful places of culture in Tuscany easily reachable in a day including San Gimignano, Florence, Siena, Certaldo, Volterra, Pisa, Lucca, Montalcino, Pienza, Colle Val D'Elsa. In addition, in an hour's drive you can reach famous seaside resorts. In the farmhouse guests can practice trekking, birdwatching and take walks on the ancient paths around the property. In the immediate vicinity: lake for fishing, tennis, riding, golf course (just 13 km from the villa), spa (within an hour's drive). The residence is 1.5 km from an important archaeological site. Shopping enthusiasts can easily reach various outlets that offer the most prestigious brands of clothing (Gucci, Ferragamo, Armani, Valentino, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi). The property is very close (5 km) to the center of San Gimignano where you can find banks, post office, pharmacies, shops, supermarket, restaurants, bars etc.. On request we organize: cooking classes (min 4 max 8 pax), typical dinners (min 6 max 12 pax), saffron tastings (min 4 max 12 pax) NOTES: The animals are not housed. Not being a hotel, the reception has a check-in time between 17:00 and 19:00. Check-out time is at 10.00 a.m. We are however pleased to receive our guests at different times by prior arrangement. The rooms are cleaned daily before 12.00 and the change of linen (bed and bath) every 3 days. On request, on payment, it is possible to have an additional change of linen. Being in the countryside on top of a hill, we do not have a fast wired network but an aerial connection, and we offer free wifi service that is subject to possible speed decreases beyond our control. The pool is open seasonally from 01/06 to 30/09. The last stretch of road of about 1.5 km is not asphalted because it corresponds to the route of the ancient Via Francigena.