Castello di Velona
Montalcino, Italy
★ Verified by our editors · June 2026
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The verdict
An 11th-century castle on a ridge near Montalcino with one of the biggest views in the Val d'Orcia — infinity pools that seem to pour off the hillside, a natural thermal spa and its own winery. Forty-five suites, dramatic rather than intimate, and it leans resort-and-weddings; but for the setting, the sunsets and the thermal water over the valley, it earns its place.
Travellers who want a dramatic Val d'Orcia castle with big views, a thermal spa and Brunello country all around.
You want intimacy or cutting-edge design — this is a large, view-driven castle resort that hosts events.
Book a room on the valley side for the view, and time the thermal infinity pool for sunset over the Val d'Orcia.
The rooms
Forty-five suites across the restored castle and its grounds, in a classic, comfortable style — the ones to book face the valley, where the Val d'Orcia falls away below your window and terrace. More traditional than design-forward.
The setting
On a ridge near Castelnuovo dell'Abate, just below Montalcino, with a huge open view across the Val d'Orcia — a UNESCO landscape of vineyards and hill towns. The estate has its own winery and natural thermal springs feeding the spa and outdoor pools.
The food
A castle restaurant and a panoramic terrace handle Tuscan cooking with Brunello country in the glass and the valley in view; it's about the setting and the wine more than a destination kitchen.
Getting there
About 1h30 from Florence and Rome airports and 40 minutes from Siena, on winding roads up to the ridge. A car is essential in this part of the Val d'Orcia.
Good to know
Large and view-driven, and a popular wedding and events castle — lovely for the setting, thermal spa and sunsets, less so if you're after a quiet, intimate hideaway. Best in spring and autumn; the valley-view rooms are worth the upgrade.
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