Le Marche has been called “the new Tuscany” and “hidden Umbria” by different publications. This comparison is perhaps one of the biggest pluses of visiting Le Marche: it holds all of the culture, scenery and cuisine that one can expect to find in Tuscany and Umbria, but it is untarnished by mass tourism. Le Marche is arguably a hidden treasure chest of fine wines, real, working medieval villages, pristine beaches, beautifully farmed fields, and breathtaking mountain trails. The region became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, but it has been inhabited as far back as 23,000 years ago; it has been a home to the Piceni, the Romans, Goths, Ostrogoths and Lombards. Around 800AD the Byzantine Church had control of Marche’s Adriatic coast and it later fell and stayed under papal rule until the unification of Italy. This rich and mixed history can be experienced not only on display in the numerous museums, but it can also be taken in with a drink in hand in any central piazza of the numerous medieval towns that dot the hilly landscape.
Our property is located just outside one of those classical medieval towns. The historic center of Penna San Giovanni is perched on the edge of a hill. At its highest point the remnants of an original castle wall still overlook the Marchigiani landscape. Architectural evidence suggests that San Isidore was one part of a medieval Curtis: a group of buildings where the feudal lord resided and carried out his business and food was stored to protect it from the marauding nearby towns. Certain architectural features on the buildings helped our architect date the building to at least the 13th century, but local lore suggests it may at one time have been a Roman military installation. Its isolated position and far reaching views seem to back up that theory.
Certainly, our location was extremely strategic at the time, but now we enjoy it without fear of invasion, but with eager anticipation of welcoming you to your home away from home where la vita è più dolce!
Our property is located just outside one of those classical medieval towns. The historic center of Penna San Giovanni is perched on the edge of a hill. At its highest point the remnants of an original castle wall still overlook the Marchigiani landscape. Architectural evidence suggests that San Isidore was one part of a medieval Curtis: a group of buildings where the feudal lord resided and carried out his business and food was stored to protect it from the marauding nearby towns. Certain architectural features on the buildings helped our architect date the building to at least the 13th century, but local lore suggests it may at one time have been a Roman military installation. Its isolated position and far reaching views seem to back up that theory.
Certainly, our location was extremely strategic at the time, but now we enjoy it without fear of invasion, but with eager anticipation of welcoming you to your home away from home where la vita è più dolce!