In a recent article, Travel Writers On Their Best and Worst Travel Moments, I wrote about visiting Lago di Orta as my best travel experience of 2013. To be honest, it was one of many, but I couldn’t list them all in that article! I’ve been wanting write about Castrum Sagliani for some time now, as it definitely stands out as one of my best travel moments from last year.
A former castello and church, Castrum Sagliani is located near the town of Cesena in the province of Emilia Romagna, Italy. It has all the rustic charm of many such places I’ve seen in Italy, but what makes it unique is the owner – who is living his dream of owning a castle and turning it into an agriturismo.
Maybe it was the fact that I was there on the last day of my October press trip, in which I’d made new friends and met so many lovely people and I was feeling a bit sentimental? But I think the pictures tell the story – how could I not like this place?
interior of the old church
It was easy to see from his body language and expressions and the way he thoughtfully answered any questions that he was truly a happy man, and wanted to share his dream with everyone.
After a brief tour and history of the church and grounds, we sat down to gorgeous views and a delicious meal of local meats, cheeses, bread, olives, fruit, and of course wine, all prepared by the lady of the castle. The food was arranged on long table so tastefully, it was like a work of art itself.
The rooms were not quite complete at the time we were there, but by spring this year they should be. If you like nature, good food, and nice people then you will love Castrum Sagliani.
Sitting in the dining area looking out over this tranquil landscape of rolling hills and vineyards, I really didn’t want to leave. I was so sad that this was the last day of my trip to Emilia Romagna and that I couldn’t stay on a few days and just relax into the hospitality and serenity of the location and the owners. If you go, please say hello for me.
To visit Agriturismo Castrum Sagliani you will need to call as they don’t yet have a website. The owner does speak English. Tel. 0547/326381 Cell. 346/6026728
“This post was a part of Buonvivere Blog Tour, organized by Settimana del Buonvivere in collaboration with 21Grammy.
18 comments
Is Castrum Sagliani related to the Sagliani,s Hugo And Luigi in Buffalo New York and son Richard living in North Hills California..Would,my that be great..Looking into my genealogy and sharing with my son Rico Giuseppi Sagliani living in Englewood ,Colorado
Hi Richard,I have no idea. Good luck investigating. Sounds like fun.
Agriturismo is the way to go in Italy–this one looks gorgeous!
Hi Penny
I enjoyed reading this and especially seeing your photos. Your descriptions make me want to go here too. Sounds like a place a writer could enjoy for several days! t
Would be a great place for writing.
Spending time surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards sounds like a great way to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Castrum Sagliani looks like a wonderful place.
I love the stonework of the place. The only thing that beats old world charm is old world charm that invites you in and asks you to stay for a while.
The place definitely looks like a labor of love and the green rolling hills make for a gorgeous backdrop. That being said, it’s always the people that make a place memorable so the fact you loved the place says a lot about its owners.
It’s now added to our list! 🙂
Hey thanks for the nice reply and stopping by. I hope you do make it!
Dolce Vita, indeed! Looks beautiful!
What a gorgeous place! I can see why this was one of the highlights of last year’s travels.
Terry it was the last day of the trip. I couldn’t believe the timing!
OMG a bowl of pomegranates, I’m in. Lovely photos – I’d cherish a visit there!
You’d love it!
Penny, you captured the essence of this castle wonderfully! I’m ready to go! I love your photos, esp the chapel and the vineyards…food table was luscious. Thank you for a wonderful article.
Hi Susan, Thank you so much for the compliment! If you want to go then I feel I’ve done what I hoped to do. Yeah! If you do decide to go, please let me know.
I just looked at these photos again. It reminds me some of the area around Padua in the Euganean Hills. It is so beautiful…hope to visit in 2015!
So glad that you posted this Penny. It was a special place for me, too. When we toured the guest rooms, I felt like I really want to stay there sometime. But we did have that lovely lunch on a beautiful day and in such good company. Nice memories.
It was a lovely day with very nice memories. Once I discovered there were rooms there – well, perhaps we’ll go back one day?