Castello di Monterado Monterado

Built on the site of an ancient parish church dating back to the year 1000, Castello di Monterado which today dominates the tiny hilltop town of Monterado was constructed in the early 18th century, for the College of the Jesuit Fathers, according to the designs of one of Italy's most illustrious architects, Luigi Vanvitelli. The castle's chapel, cellars, monks cells and the crest of Pope Gregory XIII over the entrance door all date back to that period.

The Castello di Monterado owes much of its opulence not to the Jesuits but to Prince Maximilian of Beauharnais, nephew of Napoleon the 1st, who inherited the property in 1824 and chose to spend his honeymoon with his beloved new wife, Maria Nikolaievna, daughter of the Czar Nicola of Russia, here. It was Maximilian who commissioned the frescoes by the Marche-born artist, Corrado Corradi, which embellish the rooms on the noble floor.

The castle's elegant halls include the "Four Seasons Room", named after the cycle of frescoes depicting the various seasons of the year; the "Music Room", in which a number of antique musical instruments can be found; the "Billiard Room", and the splendid library where guests might easily be found browsing through the castle's book collection or absorbed in a game of chess.

For those who have always dreamed of sleeping in a castle, the Castello di Monterado offers luxurious guest accommodation in four spacious suites, all of which contain beautiful items of antique furniture and frescoes inspired by classical mythology. In the recently restored building situated directly opposite the castle six elegant one and two bedroom apartments have been created, complete with living-cum-dining room and fully equipped kitchen, ideal for those wishing to self cater.

Castello di Monterado's panoramic hilltop location, between the Italian Apennines and the Adriatic sea, adds yet further to the historic residence's appeal. The seven hectare park encircling the castle features a wood of pine trees, oak trees planted in 1846 by Count Cerasi, a swimming pool, and an exquisite Italian garden brimming with roses and magnificent Libyan cedar trees.

With its lavish halls, Castello di Monterado is the ideal location for high profile conferences and business meetings, and the perfect setting for exclusive banquets, wedding receptions, and elite social events. Accessed via the courtyard, the castle's small chapel provides the a wonderfully romantic venue for intimate marriage services and vow renewals.

Three good reasons

1. The charm of a castle with swimming pool and Italian gardens.
2. The sumptuous suites.
3. The gorgeous landscapes of Marche.