Castello di Proceno

Castello di Proceno is an albergo diffuso, a hotel spread across the buildings of a historic village rather than under one roof. It occupies a castle and borgo at Proceno, on the Via Francigena at the meeting point of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio, in the heart of the Tuscia region. The Terme di Fonteverde at San Casciano dei Bagni are a few kilometres away.

History

The castle has belonged to the Cecchini family, today Bisoni Cecchini, since 1644. About a thousand years ago a fortified tower house stood here on the pilgrim route, and the village overlooks the Via Cassia, the main trade and pilgrimage artery of the area for over two thousand years. The family describes its work as a commitment to the castle and to the surrounding land, people and traditions.

The accommodation

Most of the stay is in apartments and suites, each named: Primavera, Estate, Autunno, Corsetto, Chiostrino, Loggia, Bicocca and Innominato. There are also four rooms called Caciaia, Collinella, Poggiolo and Belvedere. The last two face each other, and all four are entered from a door on the old inner courtyard.

An internal staircase links three floors that were once part of one of the towers of the ancient walls. The staircase is steep and not suitable for children. Each of the four rooms has a small fridge, microwave, electric kettle, toaster and sink, and the bathrooms have a shower and hairdryer. Bed and breakfast service is available on request.

Garden, pool and restaurant

A small garden gives access to the suites, and a lemon house leads to a passage dug into the volcanic rock on which the castle stands. Through it, guests reach the swimming pool and the summer restaurant without going out on the road.

Practical notes

Check-in is between 4pm and 7pm and check-out is by 10am, though times can be adjusted if you let the castle know. A meeting room seats up to 30 people. Concerts and events are held in the castle through the year.