Sleeping like Royalty: The Best Castle Hotels in the World

Castello di Petroia – Umbria, Italy

Another castle with over 1,000 years of history, Castello di Petroia was built in the 9th century, and in 1396 was acquired by Count Galasso da Montefeltro. Under ownership of the Duke of Urbino in the 1400s, one of the more scandalous parts of the castle’s history occurred; a lady companion of the Duchess of Urbino, Elisabetta, became pregnant, and it turned out her son was fathered by the Duke of Urbino. Her son, Federico da Montefeltro, grew up in the castle, and would later become an influential military and intellectual figure in the Italian Renaissance.

The current owner purchased the property in 1925 and converted it into a hotel in 1996. The castle’s 13 rooms retain many original architectural elements, and the grounds offer activities like horseback riding, bocce, and even truffle hunting.

Rooms start at $135, and you can book online on Expedia.

Image via petroia.it

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