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The Hotel Certosa di Maggiano,
built in 1314 with funds donated by Cardinal Ricardo Petroni, was a
place designed for meditation and prayer. It is located in the
countryside immediately outside Siena, a mere 2 Km from the famous
Piazza del Campo. The property passed from hand to hand until 1969, the
year in which Signora Anna Grossi Recordati fell in love with the
majestic, ruined complex and decided to restore it to its former glory.
In 1975 the Hotel Certosa di Maggiano was transformed into a hotel and
became part of the famous Relais & Chateaux Guide.
The 17 rooms of the Certosa di Maggiano, corresponding to what were
seventeen monastic cells, are situated on three floors. Differing in
style, color scheme, view and furnishings, they share a common simple,
refined elegance, in addition to all the modern comforts.
Hotel Certosa di Maggiano offers its guests a variety of thoughtfully
appointed spaces in which to spend different moments of the day. The
"Emperor's Hall" is so-named for the twelve eighteenth-century
paintings, portraying the twelve Roman Emperors, which line its walls.
The Library, dominated by an antique alder-wood bookcase, also features
sofas upholstered with fine silk created by the Antico Setificio
Fiorentino. The grounds are vast and among the olive groves and
vineyards one finds our tennis court, helicopter landing, and a heated,
open-air pool. Near the pool there is also a small fitness room.
The restaurant "Il Canto" takes its name from one of the centuries' old
farms belonging to the Certosa, which even today produces olive oil and
fresh produce, the ingredients upon which our dishes are based. The
spaciousness of the Certosa allows the guests to enjoy their meals in
varying locales throughout the day. Breakfast is served in a historic
kitchen, decorated in a rustic style with age-old tree branches, and in
its adjoining patio. During the summer, restaurant service is available
at the colonnaded porch near the pool, for those who wish to dine
casually. Dinner, instead, depending upon the season, is either served
in the small, exquisite dining room, or under the arches of the central
cloister. A wide selection of Italian specialties is offered according
to season, and in accompaniment guests will find a careful selection of
Italian wines, particularly Tuscan red wines. |