The Antognolla Castle, a formidable fortress dating back to the 12th century that once stood as a silent witness to sieges and power struggles among Perugia’s noble families, is now embarking on a spectacular new chapter. Located in Umbria—often referred to as the “green heart” of Italy—this historical monument is undergoing a meticulous restoration and transformation by the ultra-luxury hospitality group Six Senses into an exclusive integrated resort. The project goes far beyond mere preservation, carefully maintaining the medieval architecture, including priceless 6th-century frescoes, while simultaneously establishing a new benchmark for luxury living. It’s a sanctuary where the tranquility of the past harmonizes with contemporary amenities and a holistic wellness philosophy. Six Senses Antognolla will feature a unique blend of a 71-key hotel, branded private residences, and an 18-hole golf course that has been awarded Italy’s Best three times. Slated to open in late 2026, the resort promises to be a premier European destination, inviting discerning travelers to immerse themselves in “la dolce vita”—the sweet Italian life—amidst rolling hills and ancient stone walls.
Conserving A Legacy: Over Eight Centuries Of History
Antognolla Castle is more than just an ancient structure; it’s a living chronicle etched in stone, tracing its origins back to a Benedictine monastery established in the 10th century. The earliest official documentation of the complex dates to 1174, referencing the renovation of the crypt beneath the structure, a space believed to have once housed the remains of Saint Herculanus, the patron saint of Perugia. Over time, the monastic settlement evolved into a crucial military stronghold, a castrum that played a vital role in guarding the strategic passage between the Tiber River valley and the powerful city of Perugia during the Middle Ages.
For centuries, Antognolla served as a seat of immense power, first granted as a feudal property by Pope Boniface IX in 1399 to Count Ruggero of Antognolla. The fortress subsequently became entangled in continuous struggles, falling under the control of various influential houses, most notably the Baglioni family, and enduring countless sieges throughout its history. It wasn’t until 1628 that Count Cornelio Oddi purchased the estate with the intention of transforming it into a peaceful country retreat, initiating the first major phase of reconstruction. The current, meticulous restoration project led by Six Senses aims to preserve as much of the original architectural integrity as possible, from the imposing stone ramparts to the ancient Byzantine artworks, ensuring that these venerable walls truly continue to tell their story for generations to come.
A New Vision: Luxury Recreation Within Ancient Walls
The core vision for Six Senses at Antognolla is to create a resort that transcends the typical hotel experience, expertly weaving the rich heritage of Umbria with the brand’s signature blend of luxury, sustainability, and emotional hospitality. The entire project is designed to mirror the layout of a traditional Italian borgo (village), with the 71 guest rooms and suites thoughtfully distributed between the historic castle itself and the charming, faithfully restored surrounding buildings. This includes 16 exclusive suites uniquely situated within the original castle walls, offering an unparalleled guest experience steeped in history.
Complementing the hotel component, the vast 540-hectare estate features 79 luxurious Six Senses Residences, ranging from elegant apartments and two-bedroom villas to sprawling six-bedroom farmhouses. These private homes were custom-designed by the renowned Italian firm A2Zen, emphasizing the use of local materials and celebrating authentic Umbrian craftsmanship, creating an exclusive residential community that is seamlessly connected to nature. With the architectural expertise of Woods Bagot and the landscape design of Paghera, Six Senses Antognolla is poised to become a global model for how cultural heritage can be both preserved and reanimated as a high-end, contemporary living space.
The Sanctuary: Wellness And Gourmet Perfection
True to the Six Senses ethos, holistic well-being forms a cornerstone of the resort experience. The Six Senses Spa, a sprawling 3,000 square-meter sanctuary spread across three levels, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. It includes a Finnish sauna, a herbal steam room, a snow room, an infrared sauna, a salt lounge, and multiple indoor and outdoor pools. The bespoke wellness programs are designed to be high-tech and high-touch, blending scientific insight with personalized care, focusing on critical areas such as sleep health, nutrition, movement, and guided self-discovery to ensure guests leave feeling more rejuvenated than when they arrived.
The resort’s culinary offerings are founded on a robust farm-to-table philosophy. The estate boasts its own organic farm, cultivating the herbs, fruits, vegetables, and, most notably, the extensive olive groves and vineyards scattered across the property. Guests and residents are invited to savor seasonal dishes crafted with the freshest estate-grown produce. The already-operational artisan restaurant, La Boiola, serves refined Italian classics using the best local ingredients. Furthermore, immersive cultural experiences are paramount: guests can participate in traditional cooking classes, sample the resort’s first batches of sparkling wine and olive oil pressed from their own harvest, and even join in the local seasonal tradition of truffle hunting, forging a deep connection with Umbrian culinary culture.
Golfing Paradise And Unbounded Outdoor Life
Central to the Antognolla estate is the championship 18-hole golf course, masterfully designed by the celebrated architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. This course has not only garnered prestigious recognition as one of Italy’s finest, winning the title of Italy’s Best Golf Course multiple times, but it is also praised for its outstanding environmental credentials, including a cutting-edge water recycling system. Its long, cliff-lined fairways, undulating greens, and strategic water hazards ensure a challenging and rewarding round for golfers of all skill levels, all played under the watchful gaze of the centuries-old castle.
Beyond the course, the estate’s protected natural forest offers a boundless outdoor paradise, featuring a network of manicured trails for walking, running, and cycling. The extensive recreational activities at Six Senses Antognolla are designed to encourage active engagement with the region’s natural beauty. Guests can partake in traditional truffle hunting excursions, enjoy scenic horseback riding through the olive groves, or embark on cycling tours to explore the surrounding Umbrian and nearby Tuscan hills, including the serene shores of Lake Trasimeno. The vast scope and variety of activities ensure that the resort is a vibrant, year-round destination for families and adventure-seekers alike.
Umbria: A Jewel Revealed To The World
The strategic location of Six Senses Antognolla, nestled 12.5 miles north of Perugia and near the Tuscan border, provides an ideal base for exploring Umbria—a region often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor. As the only landlocked region in Italy, Umbria is celebrated for its spiritual tranquility, its well-preserved hilltop medieval towns such as Assisi, Orvieto, and Spello, and its rich tradition of winemaking and craftsmanship.
By establishing its presence here, Six Senses Antognolla is poised to act as a significant catalyst, aiming to elevate the international prestige and recognition of the Umbria region. The resort will serve as a vital cultural gateway, allowing travelers to effortlessly visit historical sites, engage with local festivals, and discover natural wonders like the magnificent Marmore Falls or the peaceful beauty of Lake Trasimeno. The thoughtful convergence of the glorious history of Antognolla Castle with the sustainable, wellness-focused philosophy of Six Senses is not only setting a new benchmark for ultra-luxury tourism but is also bringing the “green heart” of Italy into the global spotlight.
