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Castel Monastero
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, Italy · Independent · High Luxury
Originally an 11th-century monastery and hamlet first mentioned in 1044, the property later served as a country estate for the noble Chigi Saracini family. Following a meticulous restoration that preserved its medieval architecture and ancient piazza, it reopened in July 2009 as a luxury five-star resort.
- 70 rooms
- Opened 2009
- Neighborhood: Monastero d'Ombrone
About Castel Monastero
- Traces to an 11th-century monastery first documented in 1044, later withstanding a siege in 1208 before being conquered by Guido di Montfort and used as a military garrison.
- Restored by the Marcegaglia family into a Leading Hotels of the World property, its Contrada restaurant holds a Michelin star.
History
The castle is first named Sarna in 1044, then from about 1050 Monastero, after the nearby Abbey of Berardenga. From the early 12th century a branch of the Berardenghi lived here; Bernardo di Guinigi and his son Guido held it in the 11th century. In 1202 it entered the Commune of Siena's administration. Florence besieged it without success in 1208. In 1270 Guido di Montfort took it as a garrison against Siena. After Siena fell to Florence in the mid-sixteenth century the Berardenga, and the castle, passed under Florentine rule.
The noble Chigi Saracini of Siena later bought the borgo and made it a country house for hunting and the vintage, a farming hamlet around a piazza rather than a fortress at war. Stone-arched doors and windows in pietra serena survive in the circular courtyard plan.
The Marcegaglia family restored the medieval village as a five-star resort that opened in July 2009, keeping the alleys and piazza. It joined Leading Hotels of the World; Contrada holds a Michelin star. Marcegaglia ownership in its present corporate form is dated from 2022. MICHELIN awarded One Key in 2025.
The setting
14 km from San Gusmè. 29 km from Siena.
Restaurants and bars
- Contrada — Restaurant · One MICHELIN Star
Amenities
- 1,000 sqm Spa Monasterii with holistic wellness and detox programs
- Three swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) and a fitness center
- Contrada signature restaurant and La Cantina in a 13th-century wine cellar
- Medieval piazza for outdoor dining and exclusive events
- Tennis court and personalized Tuscan activities like truffle hunting
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and luxury rooms with vineyard or piazza views
- Private pool
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Fine dining
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
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More hotels in Castelnuovo Berardenga
- Hotel Borgo San Felice — Independent · Grand Luxury