Detailed Review
The origins of La Suvera go back to the Middle Ages when it was one of the castles of the Montagnola and Montemaggio counties ruled by the legendary Countess Ava Matilde de Franzesi, a relation of the King of France, also known as the Queen of Montemaggio. The name Suvera in fact derives from the word "souveraine", French for sovereign. Later this county passed into the hands of the powerful Ardengheschi family, Longobards, but by 1507 it had been gifted to Pope Julius II, who received it from the Republic of Siena for political reasons. This Renaissance Pope, a highly political and militant ruler, is far better known as the patron of Raffaello and Michelangelo and for having commissioned Bramante to build St Peter’s. This gift was greatly appreciated by the Pope, so much so that the renovation work and conversion of the ancient fortress to a villa were entrusted to Baldassarre Petruzzi, who blended its medieval severity with the sumptuous luxury of the Renaissance. La Suvera passed from Pope Julius to his nephew Nicolò della Rovere but from there it went to the Chigi family from Siena and later, through marriage, inheritance and acquisition it came into the current owners’ hands, the family of the Marquis Ricci. The Ricci family have turned it into an extraordinary five star country hotel whose suites and rooms offer hospitality to the most demanding of guests from all over the world. The Marquis Giuseppe Ricci Paracciani Bergamini and his wife, the Princess Eleonora Massimo, together have created a most charming ambiance. The family collection of antiques, which bears witness to their connections with the historical families of Europe, creates a living theatre of history and culture which cannot fail to fascinate their guests. A suite may be selected from a wide choice of styles, from the Neo-Gothic to the Neo-Classical, from sumptuous Empire furnishings to the 19th-century English elegance of the Fox suite. The true atmosphere of revolutionary France at the end of the eighteenth century comes alive in the Marie Antoinette Suite while the Papal Suite holds echoes of Julius’ life during the Renaissance. In the Maioliche Suite, it was Princess Eleonora Massimo’s keen desire to keep alive the memory of her great grandfather, Ferdinand of Savoy, First Duke of Genoa. And a great deal more awaits...
Press Quotes
“For sheer romance, Relais La Suvera, near Siena, delivers the goods: a medieval fort, converted into a villa for Pope Julius II and packed with heirlooms and antiques, it offers a spa and blissful tranquillity." Sunday Times 07
Independent Reviews
-
"A beautiful medieval castle near Siena, once owned by Pope Julius II, with manicured gardens and a good smattering of antiques."
Relais La Suvera
By Barbara Soldi
Relais La Suvera is the ideal holiday retreat for the history and art lover: surrounded by culture you can play the role of the signore of the palace.
This ancient Papal Villa is now home to the Marquis Ricci and the Princess Massimo, who enjoy sharing their family heritage and their invaluable private collection with their guests. You feel privileged to be here; it feels like you have been locked in a museum or in a royal palace after closing time, only to discover that a suite has been prepared for you.
The double rooms in the old stables and in the farmhouse are all unique, adorned with art treasures (you can read about every single piece in the information sheet in your room), and provided with modern comforts like plasma screens, Sky TV, and air conditioning.
If your wallet can stand it, book a bedroom or a suite in the Villa Papale. These are exquisite jewels of opulence, where Renaissance paintings hang with nonchalance even in the bathroom. Each room features period furniture, mirrors, velvet and silk bed drapes, and crystal chandeliers, and each is dedicated to family ancestors or historical characters linked to the house.
Choose the Pope Julius II suite for its stunning views and enjoy the Tuscan sunsets from the draped bathtub positioned next to the window. Honeymooners will be tempted by the Maria Gabriella di Savoia: it is the biggest and most sumptuous suite of the Villa, with 18th century furniture, precious drapes, and a double Jacuzzi.
The perfect choice for the ladies is the extremely feminine Camera Elena, once the room of the Marquis’s daughter. Gentlemen should experience the Napoleon Suite: after a night amid the frescoes of battle scenes, the green marble and tapestries, and the golden décor in the huge bathroom, you will feel ready to conquer the world.
In such a fabulous setting, you can’t help but expect princely treatment, and you won’t be disappointed. The service is excellent, but very discreet. There are a lot of genuine smiles from the friendly staff, which magically appear to fill your wine glass, or hand you a towel by the swimming pool exactly and only when you need it.
If you are looking for tranquillity have a stroll around the gardens; they offer a sense of peace and seclusion (but – alas - also limit the beautiful view) or exit the main gate and take a night walk, letting the fireflies lead your way uphill.
The Relais’s latest addiction is the Wellness Centre, where you can enjoy a water massage in the big Jacuzzi made from the medieval well. Several beauty treatments are also provided, with an emphasis on natural and local products. Even the toiletries in your room have Tuscan olive oil as a main ingredient.
A word about the food: eat in at the excellent Ristorante Oliviera, awarded three golden keys by the Gambero Rosso guide, and housed in the old Oil Mill. The menu includes traditional Tuscan dishes and the wine list focuses on local producers, with the best reserves available in the area. Unfortunately the restaurant terrace faces a public road, which might be a bit annoying if you eat al fresco. However, La Suvera just managed to get permission from the Comune to close the road for their private use, and will themselves pay for another road to be built. A telling example of the hotel’s dedication to the happiness of their guests!
© Travel Intelligence. All rights reserved
