Castrum Monestevoli was the original name of this ancient castle hamlet. It is located on a modest yet strategic hilltop with a 360 degrees view. The ruins lie immersed in nature in a beautiful pristine between Perugia and Umbertide. Its impressive history that spans most likely a full millennium has been laid down in an historic overview.  It is possible and allowed to recuperate and rebuild the castle and create an absolutely unique hospitality business.

The history

The overview is based on ancient documents from various archives including maps, deeds and even eyewitness stories. Monastevoli, already noted as flourishing in 1258,  was first mentioned in an act dated 12 February 1189, from which it appears that the Marquis Ugolino, family of the Marquises of Monte S. Maria “submits to the city of Perugia all its land for aid in peace and war, with the exception of the Empire, and Umbertide…”. It was possible to trace the use and modifications throughout the centuries, from village to fortress, back to village, to church and private property. The number of families that lived within its wall, the taxes paid, the allegiances pledged and quite a few of the owners, most of its history has been documented. we can provide the overview upon request.

The current state

By the time the castle was abandoned around the end of the 19th century the hamlet was most likely already quite damaged. After centuries of decay and restorations maintenance finally ceased completely and nature took over. Today it takes a short walk through dense woods in order to get to the completely overgrown ruins. It is still possible to distinguish the round towers of the main entrance, parts of walls, a watch tower and old cisterns. By no means is it easy to understand the lay out of the hamlet on site, but circling the rubble the perimeters are still clear also because of its dominant position on the relatively small hilltop. Of course it is possible to remove the greenery,  uncover the castle remains and get a clearer view.

The project

A project has been developed to restore and rebuild the castle according to its ancient foot print and probable features. In 2004 the city council of Umbertide has approved  the restoration, recovery and reconstruction of some volumes for hotel accommodation purposes. This approved will have to be renewed. The main condition at the time was that “projects concerning these interventions must guarantee the safeguarding of the peculiar characteristics of the historical architectures, the landscape context and the urban scenography in which the buildings are located, and that the typology of any new interventions is consistent with those representative of the context”.

Based on the original surface of 12.750 square meter the council approved a total volume of about 5.200 cm to recover and/or rebuild. The maximum number of real estate units to be built was determined equal to 25 and a number of beds equal to 62. Additional information regarding the development possibilities and restrictions can be provided upon request.

The work

We can provide specialised local building companies capable of realising projects of this nature as well as all other professionals that are required to set up and run this type of company.

The surroundings

Wooded hills, quite winding roads and commanding views are what surround the hilltop castle. The quaint city of Umbertide is 8 km away whereas the nowadays bustling student city Perugia lies at 29 km and lake side Passignano sul Trasimeno at 22 km distance.  It offers the nearest international airport at 40 km, followed by Siena at 114 km, Ancona 129 km and Florence at 157 km. The renowned Antognolla Trent Jones golf course is nearby at 12 km distance.

Please contact us for any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Caroline S. van Agteren – Verdandi Real Estate