In the village of Querceto, near Siena, Castello di Casole is a unique experience that blends archaeology, astronomy, and rural life with the services of the best international 5-star hospitality.

The Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel since 2018, is an estate spanning over 1,700 hectares in the village of Querceto, named after the nearby oak (quercia) forests, near Casole d’Elsa. It enjoys an unparalleled location in the bucolic heart of Tuscany.

Etruscan Archaeological Wonders
The castle, whose foundations date back to the 10th century, is a silent witness to 5,000 years of civilization, built on the ruins of an ancient Etruscan settlement. During the 19th and 20th centuries, it was inhabited by the noble Bargagli family, who transformed the imposing estate into the evocative natural setting we enjoy today.

A seemingly endless avenue of cypress trees, the golden dust of the Sienese sunset dancing on the ancient stones and the echo of a history that began well before the Middle Ages.

Marquis Piero Bargagli, a passionate archaeologist, conducted a series of excavations between 1870 and 1875, uncovering a large number of Etruscan artifacts (from the 5th to the 3rd century BC). Many of these are on display in the Library and the Essere Spa at Casole Castle, while others are kept at the Archaeological Museum of Casole d’Elsa.

A Cinematic History: Between Nobility and Luchino Visconti
Deeply rooted in Tuscan agricultural life, the modern vision of Casole Castle is strongly inspired by its rich historical heritage. But it was in the 20th century that its history was also tinged with cinematic glamour.

In the 1960s, the estate became the summer retreat of Count Edoardo Visconti di Modrone, brother of famous film director Luchino Visconti. Here, within the villa’s walls and lush gardens, legendary parties were held, hosting the era’s film stars. It is said that the director loved the harsh, poetic light of these hills, a natural “mise-en-scène” that still greets guests upon their arrival today. In honor of this legacy, the hotel’s sumptuous bar bears the name Bar Visconti, where, amidst marble and frescoes, you can sip a Negroni as perfect as an arthouse film.

Garden-to-table cuisine masterfully crafted by Chef Daniele Sera
Castello di Casole boasts several bars and restaurants, the crowning glory of which is the fine-dining Tosca, overseen by Chef Daniele Sera, who boasts a 40-year international career.

Overlooking the complex’s ancient courtyard is the Emporio del Castello, offering a traditional Tuscan and Italian menu where guests can enjoy delicious appetizers, pasta dishes, pizzas cooked in the 17th-century wood-fired oven, and grilled main courses.

The cuisine is characterized by a “garden to table” philosophy, based on fresh produce harvested daily from the Castle’s gardens and local products purchased from local growers: from the rich game to vegetables and herbs, to the estate’s wine, oil, honey, and gin.

The Ancient: Village Rooms and Suites
The restoration of the Castle, meticulously cared for, has transformed the ancient farming village into a charming retreat with a splendid infinity pool and pool bar.
– Number of Rooms: The hotel has 39 rooms and suites, each with its own unique character. In addition to the suites, the property also includes several private villas and farmhouses.
– Atmosphere: Sleep in spaces steeped in history and charm, which were once the Canonica, the Limonaia, or the Tinaia (where the wine vats rested)
– The Etruria Suites: For those seeking a touch of contemporary design, the suites designed by Alessandro Mendini offer a modern reinterpretation of Tuscan style.

Experiences: Living History and Nature
At Castello di Casole, luxury is a profound sensory experience, connected to the earth and the sky:
– Astronomy and Stars: Thanks to zero light pollution, the estate is certified among the most beautiful skies in Italy, and you can participate in “Astrotours” with professional telescopes in the castle’s amphitheater.
– Etruscan Cosmetics: At the Essere Spa, located in the ancient cellars, treatments use local ingredients such as honey, olive oil, and beauty secrets passed down from the Etruscan people.
– The Gamekeeper and the Woods: You can ride in a Range Rover at dawn with the estate’s gamekeeper to spot deer, hares, and wild boars in the private reserve, finishing with a picnic in the meadows.
– Truffle Hunting: An adventure in the estate’s woods led by expert truffle hunters and their inseparable dogs.

The Casole Castle is the closest thing to the true dream of romantic, rural Tuscany.

The Secret

Inside the hotel garden, you can admire the “Rosa Castello di Casole,” a unique rose variety created especially for Belmond, which perfumes the air and decorates the gardens when in bloom.

Useful Info

Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel Tuscany
Località Querceto
53031 Casole d’Elsa, Siena
Tel. +39 0577 961501

Rooms: from 800 euro with breakfast