Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Italy / Casole d'Elsa / Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
Casole d'Elsa, Italy · Belmond · Grand Luxury
A castle whose tower has stood since 998 AD on the Via Francigena pilgrimage road in the Tuscan hills between Siena and San Gimignano, and whose 20th-century chapter belonged to Count Edoardo Visconti, brother of director Luchino, who held legendary dolce vita-era parties here, the 3,200-acre estate displays Etruscan artifacts excavated on site and carries that cinematic inheritance in its Bar Visconti.
- 39 rooms
- Opened 2012
- Rooms from 398 sq ft (37 m²)
About Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
- The castle tower has stood since 998 AD as a watchtower along the Via Francigena pilgrimage road through Tuscany.
- Etruscan artifacts excavated on the 3,200-acre private estate are displayed inside the hotel.
- Count Edoardo Visconti, brother of film director Luchino Visconti, held legendary dolce vita-era parties here; the Bar Visconti is named for that cinematic inheritance.
- Belmond acquired the property in 2018 after a comprehensive restoration using traditional reclaimed materials.
- MICHELIN awarded the property Two Keys in 2025.
History
The castle's foundations date to 998 AD, when the tower was built as a watchtower along the Via Francigena pilgrimage road. The Etruscan-era site contains artifacts now displayed in the hotel. During the 19th and 20th centuries the aristocratic Bargagli family cultivated the estate; later, film director Luchino Visconti and his brother held legendary parties here during the dolce vita era. After a comprehensive restoration using traditional reclaimed materials, the hotel opened as a boutique property before joining Belmond in 2018.
Castello di Casole opened July 2012 (Timbers Resorts).
The setting
Sits on a hilltop in the heart of Tuscany near Siena, surrounded by a 3,200-acre private estate of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, equidistant between Siena, San Gimignano, and Volterra. 10 km from medieval town of San Gimignano. 31 km from Siena.
Restaurants and bars
- Ristorante Tosca — Restaurant
- Bar Visconti — Bar
- Emporio del Castello — Restaurant · Tuscan and Italian
- Castello Grill — Restaurant
Experiences
- Truffle hunting — An expert guide and Lagotto Romagnolo dogs hunt for truffles, followed by a four-course truffle-inspired meal at the hotel.
- Stargazing — Private astro tour lessons with English-speaking guides; the hotel holds the 'I Cieli più belli d'Italia' astrotourism certification.
- Hiking and biking — Guided tours for all levels through vineyards, olive groves, castles and hamlets, plus recommended trails in Tuscany.
- Bike hub — A bike hub powered by Bianchi bikes with 16 new e-bikes for rental, for exploring the estate.
- Enchanted Table — A standing aperitivo in a unique setting beneath the ancient trees.
- Wine tastings and wine cellar — A cellar of local and Italian wines, with tastings on request and wine tasting tours.
Amenities
- Infinity pool with Tuscan valley views
- Essere Spa (in former wine cellar)
- Fitness center
- Two private villas (Villa Usil and Villa Thesan; 3-bedroom each)
- Ancient amphitheatre
- Etruscan artifact collection
- Electric bike and ATV tours of estate
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Tennis
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
- Conde Nast Traveller Hot List
- Forbes Travel Guide recommended
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