Castello delle Serre

This place is amazing and Salvatore’s and Antonio’s attention to detail is nothing like I’ve never experienced before. It was THE very best place we’ve ever stayed and we’ve traveled all over Europe. I would love to read a book about how they restored this place from rubble to what it is now. It was a dream come true to stay here and we will be back. It was clean, the service was very personal, the breakfast was extremely tasty, and the pool was the best place to gather with our friends. I highly recommend this to anyone traveling to Tuscany.

Outstanding thousand year old castle with all 21^st Century amenities
Imagine yourself in an amazing medieval castle with modern amenities, and beautifully decorated rooms – all are different with attention to detail and comfort. We slept under a restored fresco, in a room with a modern bathroom, shower with marble tile. They even have an elevator to take you to your room that will overlook the Tuscan Hills or to their pool and outdoor bar where you can enjoy a sunset and see Sienna in the distance. This luxurious Bed and Breakfast is centrally located smack in the middle of Tuscany. Antonio will give you handwritten directions to Siena, Cortona, Montalcino, and San Gimignano or to other centrally Tuscan areas all just a short drive away. If Salvatore is cooking be sure to make a reservation –it will be a feast you will never forget and his homemade pasta is to die for. All are made welcome, from families with kids to seniors. Nearby local restaurants from the Farmhouse Restaurant where I had the best lamb ever to the homemade Picci pasta at a local restaurant (Ristorante pizzeria San Rocco) down the hill from the Castle were unbelievable. Walking to this small local restaurant in Serre di Rapolano felt as if we were transported back 1000+ years to a real and safe medieval village. This is a first class B&B and was a highlight of my recent trip to Italy. My only complaint was that we did not book a longer reservation to have more time to enjoy Salvatore and Antonio’s hospitality at this incredible place.

Being airline staff, I travel extensively and rarely have come across a place I felt compelled to rave about. But this time at this place, I had no choice but to share my comments about a most enjoyable experience I would highly recommend to all. If you have envisioned actually staying at a castle in Tuscany… Castello delle Serre does not disappoint, and will make your dreams actually come true. I had wanted to do this for years — just never got to it till this spring when I did some research and came across Castello delle Serre. My several days there felt like it was right out of an enchanted fairytale. A stunning jewel of the Tuscan countryside, this historic restored 12^th century castle was converted to a B&B Hotel, while still maintaining its unique old-​world charm. It sits at the top of the charming medieval village of Serre di Rapolano, 40 minutes from Siena.
The hotel has incorporated modern comforts into this grandiose residence, offering spacious and comfortable rooms, oversized beds and marble bathrooms, and a spectacular swimming pool where you can relax and unwind. While sunbathing there I felt like the rest of the world was a million miles away. The castle’s décor is tastefully done and allows you to conjure up what castle life must have been like in all its glory. We had fun exploring the maze full of nooks and crannies and discovering quiet little tucked away places.
The setting and luxurious grounds are magnificent. Seeing picturesque views from your room window or just wandering around the property and gardens allows you to mentally savor the splendid images of being in the very heart of the Tuscan hills.
One of the most outstanding features of this memorable property is the very knowledgeable, congenial and vivacious owner, Salvatore Gangale. After meeting him, you feel like you have made a friend for life. He prepares then sits and chats with you during the delicious meals. His enthusiasm and wit are contagious and you know instantly he is a man with integrity and you’re impressed that he followed his dreams. He purchased the property in 1996 with a vision to restore the abandoned castle to its original grandeur and then share it with the world. Congratulations Sal on a job well done!
Also of note are two other wonderful staff: Sal’s son Antonio and the front desk manager Mirco. Everyone is charismatic and dedicated to making themselves available to you at all times. All are delightful hosts and go out of their way to make your stay easy — and perfect. Take the cooking class Sal personally gives on Tuesday nights — so much fun and gave me a whole other appreciation for fine Italian cuisine. Ok, yes — wine was involved.
Castello delle Serre, with its serene location and the remarkable striking panoramic views that surround you at every turn, will give you a real sense of the majestic Italian landscape. It’s the ideal place to stay during your next trip to Italy. It was truly an experience like no other and a highlight I will never forget.
R. Sottile, LA, CA, USA

The rooms are very tasteful and comfortable, the views are fantastic, as this hotel is a maze full of nooks and crannies to explore. It sits on top of the town of Rapolano, and is built into a castle structure in the center of the town. By town, I mean very small group of homes. Salvatore and Antonio were great hosts. Their food was delicious and we enjoyed the lounge/​bar there as well. There are also other places to eat near by, and Siena is maybe 20 minutes by car, that is if you want to leave. Many memories we wont forget.