Castello di Ripa D'Orcia Castiglione d'Orcia - Tuscany.

Castello di Ripa d'Orcia is situated in Tuscany's Val d'Orcia; in a landscape considered to be one of the most beautiful in the whole region. Within the old castle wall a number of apartments have been created where to experience the unique atmosphere of an ancient country residence.

Earliest recorded mention of Castello di Ripa d'Orcia dates back to the XIII century. From 1274, in fact, the castle belonged to the noble Salimbeni family, when together with a series of small settlements in the area it formed the small independent state of Consorteria. From 1484 the castle, fortified hamlet, and the surrounding settlements, passed to the Carli branch of the Piccolomini family.

Towards the end of the 19th century, Count Pietro Piccolomini Clementini commissioned important restoration work which succeeded in bringing the castle back to its original splendour. The ancient dwellings distributed along two parallel roads, the Church of S.Maria delle Nevi, the gardens and vegetable plots, are all protected within the ancient stone walls which encircle the castle hamlet. A high tower rises up from the building which once housed the cellars, banqueting hall, and weapons room. From the top of the periphery wall stunning views of the Tentannano fort and the hillside precipitating steeply down to the banks of Orcia river can be admired.

Today the Castello di Ripa d'Orcia has been transformed in exclusive historic residence with a number of luxurious rooms and apartments reserved for guests. The apartments, with living room, open fireplace, and fully equipped kitchen, are particularly suitable for those wishing to self cater.

Superb traditional Tuscan cuisine is served to guests dining at the Ristoro di Ripa d'Orcia; a restaurant where to enjoy simple, yet flavour packed dishes, prepared using ingredients produced on the castle farm. The old cellar provides a charming venue for tastings of the estate's olive oil, wine, and other typical Tuscan fare. The pathways through the Ripa d'Orcia Park surrounding the castle lead visitors in to an enchanting and unmistakably Tuscan landscape.