Relais Castel Bigozzi (Monteriggioni, Italy)

Castel Bigozzi is one of the oldest castles of this area situated up the hill of Strove - a little medieval village on the Francigena way.In the Middle Ages this castle belonged to the ancestors of the old and noble Montanini family and its Coat of Arms well recounts its history-a red shield like the land that surrounds it and a black lion - symbol of courage and battles - glory and victories - Historical chronicles report that it was a place of refuge and protection for Ghibelline troops.Today Castel Bigozzi is a 4 star hotel which has been sensitively renovated maintaining the original elements of the 12th century structure and two separate huts to offer guests the choice of 14 large suites and a double bedroom-all equipped with heating-air-conditioning-Jacuzzi bathtub or shower-hairdryer-phone-satellite TV-safe-mini-bar-antique wooden furniture - beamed ceilings and dial up internet access. The suites can accommodate between 2 and 4 guests and feature a sitting room furnished in a modern style-a kitchenette and bedrooms with antique wooden furniture - beamed ceilings and a typical Tuscan terracotta floor - The bar and lounge area lead directly to the garden and swimming pool where you can relax while enjoying the stunning view over San Gimignano and have a light snack lunch.Although the hotel does not have a restaurant-guests can enjoy the local restaurant Casalta just 300 meters away - here the chef Lazzaro serves the best local traditional cuisine together with a vast choice of wines - For nature lovers this area offers many pathways for outings on foot - mountain bike or on horseback - following trails of bygone days - bringing the wanderer to breath-taking landscapes like the famous Crete of Siena-the Senese Clavey Hills-the Chianti region or one of the many thermal springs of the area.The property is closed annually from November until the end of March