Castello della Pieve

Castello della Pieve is an organic agriturismo set in a restored stone hamlet in the woods of the Alpe della Luna, three kilometres from Mercatello sul Metauro. The perched village of seven stone houses, an old tower and a small chapel that is still consecrated sits on the border of Marche, Tuscany and Umbria.

The place

According to the property, this is where Dante’s exile was decided, and the rooms and the small restaurant are dedicated to the poet. The hamlet has been restored with its original architectural features kept: exposed beams, stone walls from local rock and warm plastered surfaces. The agriturismo farms with certified organic methods.

The rooms

The accommodation comes in several categories. Classic Charme double rooms include Dama Matelda, Dea Afrodite and Messer Virgilio. Junior Suites include Galeotta, Dea Fortuna, Astri, Cortese, Divina and Ninfe, and the Torre delle Muse is a suite. There is also a separate apartment, Dimora delle Ninfe.

Rooms have a king-size bed, a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, a TV, and windows with views of the surrounding woods. Galeotta, dedicated to Paolo and Francesca, is a large junior suite with a wooden-beamed ceiling, exposed stone walls and a private garden area with sun loungers facing the Alpe della Luna.

Facilities

The pool looks onto a natural pyramid-shaped landform and is reserved for guests. The restaurant serves dinners, aperitifs, tastings and special events by reservation, and a home-made sweet and savoury breakfast is available. Wi-Fi is free, and dogs are welcome under a few simple house rules.

Getting around

Mercatello sul Metauro is recognised as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages and holds the Touring Club’s Orange Flag. The property suggests day trips to Urbino, the Rocca di San Leo, San Marino, Siena, Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi, Anghiari, Arezzo, the Gola del Furlo and the Frasassi caves. Pesaro-Urbino and Fano are the nearest stations, and Ancona-Falconara, Rimini and Bologna are the nearest airports.

Practical notes

Special offers and discounts depend on the number of nights and the season. Contact the agriturismo for availability, since booking direct is encouraged.