Villa Ciconia

The Hotel Villa Ciconia is situated in Umbria, on the outskirts of Orvieto, at about 2 km. from the Florence - Rome motorway exit, along the 71 SS.[more]

The Hotel Villa Ciconia is situated in Umbria, on the outskirts of Orvieto, at about 2 km. from the Florence - Rome motorway exit, along the 71 SS. to Arezzo.It is an elegant Villa which dates from 16th century and is surrounded by an age-old park at the confluence of the river Chiani and the Carcaione stream where they meet the river Paglia.Local Historiography a tower, "La Turchinetta", and was property of one of "Monaldeschi" of Cervara associated with Catherina of Sweden, This enlargement was commissioned to Ippolito Scalza (1532 - 1618) by the then owner of the tower Vincenzo Butius. It was said that Butius, suffering from bad health, was advised by doctors to live near a river.The villa with its rectangular plan was built, so that the Carcaione stream ran under one of the arches which upheld the structure. River deposits, with time have caused the ground floor of the structure to become submerged and therefore the "piano nobile" is now on the ground floor.The hotel which is situated on the first floor, is of only twelve rooms the windows of which look onto the villa's park.Recent reconstructuring although guaranteeing every comfort and has retained the characteristic structure of the villa (thick walls, large beams, and terracotta paving), the atmosphere is typical tranquil.A part of the Hotel, on the first floor, is notable for its roof truss in chestnut of over 12 metres in length.The restaurant on the ground floor has two large halls. In the main hall there is a lacunar ceiling with engraved and decorated strips, painted with allegorical motifs and landscape scenes. On can admire a stone fireplace which is thought to be the work of "Scalza". The excellently run Restaurant present high class genuine umbrian culinary cuisine.The wine cellar is well stocked with high quality wines and of course Orvieto classico.[less]