VisitsItaly.com is extremely proud to recommend the Castello di Giomici (Geo-mi-chee) which sits majestically on a glorious Umbrian hilltop not far from Perugia and close to many other of Umbria's other principle "cities of art" - Assisi, Spello, Gubbio, Foligno, Bevagna and Montefalco.  The small borgo and fortress, the gardens, olive groves, vineyards and fields that extend in all directions constitute one of the most beautiful scenes in the Region.

Castello di Giomici is still owned by the Vagni-Balestra family have been in residence since about 1650.  But, the Castello actually dates from the 11th century and its buildings, walls, defensive towers, houses, church, alleys and courtyards remain remarkably intact.  The family continues to maintain the Castello and its surrounding estates with impecable skill.

Just outside the majestic walls there are typically picturesque Umbrian farmhouses, and down below the Chiascio River flows through a lush green valley that Saint Francis of Assisi used to tred on his way to and from Gubbio, comuning we suppose, with fauna encountered along the way.

During the middle ages, due to its strategic position between two important medieval trade routes and the river Chiascio, Giomici was often subject to sieges and battles between the nearby powerful states of Assisi, Perugia and Gubbio.  At one point, during the period of the Italian Renaissance, the Castello was within the domains of the Dukes of Montefeltro who held dominion over Gubbio and Urbino and other cities and lands in the area.  Ultimately, the Castello fell under Perugian control, and today the area is still administered by the Province of Perugia.

Apartments and farm houses

There are 7 apartments with accommodation from 2 to 8 people, built and furnished in the traditional Umbrian style. There are also several farmhouses on the estate.  Each one is restructured with great care and offers complete privacy. Within a secular olive grove only about 500m from the castle there is a large and fully equipped swimming pool with views of the spectacular surrounding hills and valleys.

All apartments are fully self-catering, most with fireplaces, and all with central heating.

Amenities

Guests of any of the apartments may make use of a large fenced private garden just outside the fortress walls.  In this beautiful area there is a wide colonnade with a fireplace and wood oven.  Near the garden there is a football field and other play areas.  Bicycles can be rented and horseback riding arranged.