The Oldest Hotels in Italy
Ancient castles, inns, and other places offering accommodation today
Castello Chiola
During the creation of Nights in the Past we’ve come across many places to stay that are of an extraordinary age. Should you know of any old hotels, inns or other accommodation which applies to this section, please get in touch. It should be noted, however, that the list below reflects only a small proportion of the overall number of historic hotels listed on the site.
Inclusion in this Oldest Hotels in Italy section is based on there being some of the original structure still in existence rather than those places that have been entirely rebuilt. Naturally, in many cases this will apply to a relatively small section of the present-day building, though in some instances it applies to the majority. Please bear in mind that Nights in the Past can make no guarantees as to the veracity of the reputed age of any of the properties here or elsewhere on the site and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. The date information we supply has, however, been previously documented and is in the public domain either on the internet or in print.
Also see our main historic hotels section for Italy.
It is important to stress that this isn’t a definitive list, and has been compiled from some of those we have encountered during research.
Inclusion in this Oldest Hotels in Italy section is based on there being some of the original structure still in existence rather than those places that have been entirely rebuilt. Naturally, in many cases this will apply to a relatively small section of the present-day building, though in some instances it applies to the majority. Please bear in mind that Nights in the Past can make no guarantees as to the veracity of the reputed age of any of the properties here or elsewhere on the site and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. The date information we supply has, however, been previously documented and is in the public domain either on the internet or in print.
Also see our main historic hotels section for Italy.
It is important to stress that this isn’t a definitive list, and has been compiled from some of those we have encountered during research.
La Torri di Bagnara
864 AD?. Castello Chiola. Loreto Aprutino, Abruzzo. Verifying what is a truly extraordinary claim to antiquity is difficult, but few will dispute that this impressive castle is anything other than ancient. Check reviews and rates for Castello Chiola at LateRooms.com
1052. Castel di Luco. Aquasanta Terme, Marche. Its unusual circular form suggests a building of considerable age, and it almost certainly predates the documentary evidence of its existence in the mid 11th century. See the entry for Castel di Luco at TripAdvisor.
11th Century. Le Torri di Bagnara. Near Perugia, Umbria. Formed from two historic buildings, this beautiful hotel features accommodation in both components: a former abbey and a tower. More details can be found at Expedia
1100. Relais Della Rovere. Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tuscany. The hotel of today is actually comprised of three buildings of which a former Benedictine monastery is by far the oldest part. See Booking.com
1142. Castello di Sinio. Sinio, Piemonte. A breathtaking piece of medieval architecture, we can only assume that the bulk of the existing building dates back to the 12th century as suggested. Discover more about Castello di Sinio
12th Century. Castello di Petroia. Gubbio, Umbria. One can only marvel at how such a structure was actually constructed during the early medieval period, and its “Castella Maggiore” is reputed to be largely original. See our specific page for Castello di Petroia
1052. Castel di Luco. Aquasanta Terme, Marche. Its unusual circular form suggests a building of considerable age, and it almost certainly predates the documentary evidence of its existence in the mid 11th century. See the entry for Castel di Luco at TripAdvisor.
11th Century. Le Torri di Bagnara. Near Perugia, Umbria. Formed from two historic buildings, this beautiful hotel features accommodation in both components: a former abbey and a tower. More details can be found at Expedia
1100. Relais Della Rovere. Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tuscany. The hotel of today is actually comprised of three buildings of which a former Benedictine monastery is by far the oldest part. See Booking.com
1142. Castello di Sinio. Sinio, Piemonte. A breathtaking piece of medieval architecture, we can only assume that the bulk of the existing building dates back to the 12th century as suggested. Discover more about Castello di Sinio
12th Century. Castello di Petroia. Gubbio, Umbria. One can only marvel at how such a structure was actually constructed during the early medieval period, and its “Castella Maggiore” is reputed to be largely original. See our specific page for Castello di Petroia
Albergo del Sole al Pantheon
Notes: The oldest purpose-built hotel in Rome is thought to be Albergo del Sole al Pantheon which dates back to 1467. The oldest purpose built hotel in Florence is the Hotel Porta Rossa which was originally constructed in 1386
Also reputed to be 12th century: Castello di Gargonza (Tuscany); Torre dei Calzolari (Umbria); Castello di Carimate (Lombardy); Castello di Casiglio (Lombardy); Luna Baglioni (Venice); Eremo della Giubliana (Sicily)
Also reputed to be 12th century: Castello di Gargonza (Tuscany); Torre dei Calzolari (Umbria); Castello di Carimate (Lombardy); Castello di Casiglio (Lombardy); Luna Baglioni (Venice); Eremo della Giubliana (Sicily)