Originally built in 1680 on ruins from an Etruscan settlement, Villa Cetinale was transformed into a Roman Baroque villa for Pope Alexander VII. The lovely designed garden with its climbing roses, vine-covered pergolas, antique statues and the Scala Santa (Holy Stair) is said to be ‘the epitome of garden design’ and one of the most beautiful in Italy.

It may have been built as an escape from the city, but Villa Cetinale is ideally situated for exploring Siena today. It’s also close to the town of Sovicille, where you’ll find a restaurant, market, pharmacy, bank and more, as well as several well-preserved hill towns, from Monteriggioni to San Gimignano. Search for secret swimming spots in the hills above Brenna, or take a trip to the coast, about 1 hour away, for a day at the beach.

The villa is situated very near to the celebrated, historic city of Siena and the two typical Tuscan towns Volterra and San Gimignano. Villa Cetinale is the perfect place for luxurious and relaxing holidays surrounded by the gentle Tuscan landscape but also to explore the numerous sightseeing attractions in this area. Villa Cetinale has been perfectly restored to the highest standard offering modern amenities like air conditioning in every bedroom, wide screen TV, private swimming pool and tennis court, modern bathrooms combined with exceptional service provided by the full time staff. While kids can play with the Playstation, table tennis or foosball in the games rooms, watch 3D TV or explore the forest. The magnificent garden and the villa’s own chapel in front of the main house provide a fabulous scenery for big family gatherings. To underline the villa’s exceptional position in history and in the Province of Siena it has to be noted that the world famous horse race, the Palio of Siena, took place for seven times in the 165 acre property’s wood because of riots that were going on in the city.

While the estate has been settled since the ninth century B.C., when a farmhouse was first constructed on the site, the villa today has plenty of twenty-first century amenities. Your stay includes the services of a chef, waiter, porter and housekeeper. The gardens, famously profiled by Edith Wharton in the early 1900s, have been fully restored. Take in their formal glory from outdoor living spaces with a pool, barbecue and tennis court. For younger guests, it’s not all history; there’s a children’s TV room and games room with ping-pong and foosball tables.

Many of the villa’s thirteen bedrooms combine the charm of period detail with the luxury of a honeymoon suite. There are six rooms with double beds and en-suite bathrooms, two with double beds that share a bathroom, and one with a double bed that shares a bath with a room with two twin beds. For younger guests, there’s one room with two twin beds and an en-suite bathroom, and one room with a twin bed that shares a bath with the children’s room, which has four twin beds.

Parts of the villa itself date from 1651, after which the house was gradually transformed into the grand country retreat it is today. Its gracefully proportioned living and dining rooms feature stone floors, vaulted ceilings, large windows overlooking the gardens and woods, and even details like trompe l’oeil paintings. Though chef service is included in your stay, this property has two fully equipped kitchens.