Torre della Botonta (Tower of Botonta) is part of
the medieval fortified village of Castle San
Giovanni, dating back to the 14th century.

Nestled in the heart of Umbria, between Sagrantino
vineyards and cycle paths that link Spoleto to
Assisi, we are geographically close to Rome,
Florence and the Adriatic Coast; we are surrounded
by many historic towns, including Montefalco,
Bevagna, Spello, Trevi, Gubbio, Perugia, Todi and
Orvieto.

In this wonderful part of the world you will find art,
history and nature as well as the fine art of wine
and food culture, all in a contemporary but
traditional setting, where every piece of furniture
suggests the long and patient work of time.

Botonta was considered an outpost location: its
history and its name dates back in the centuries:
this is why the Castle has been always the centre of
many battles.

Today the outpost has become a haven: far from
the chaotic cities, Botonta is a uniquely special
place, where you will enjoy romantic weekend
breaks and holidays, discovering the true flavours
of the organic produce of Umbria while immersed
and cushioned in the relaxing and inspiring
experience of our location.

Our rooms and dining area are in three main
buildings inside the Castle fortified walls, all facing a
picturesque central square.

THE ROOMS
Each room is styled and named after different
natural materials:
The Hemp room »
The Silk room »
The Jute room »
The Linen room »
The Suite, with Cotton and Wool room ».
The furniture and decorative pieces are either
salvaged, antique or family heirloom; you will be
cuddled by antique hand woven fabrics and
embroidery. Mattresses, bed linen and towels are
from prime quality materials, pillows are strictly
plush goose down and natural cotton. All skin care
products are artisan-made with organic Olive Oil
from Umbria. All bedrooms are independent: they
include a fridge, a safe for your valuables and
heating. In the summer the old walls keep the
rooms naturally cool.

The Tower
Guarding the entrance, the tower has a square base
almost 22 metre long. It is the tallest among the
five other towers in the Castle; it also features four
Guelphs-styled merlons, one for each side.
The tower represented both a safety feature for the
Castle, where people used to retreat in case of an
attack and a watchtower over the surroundings. It is
possible to visit it but the staircase is a little tricky.
Inside, the Watchtower is nowadays a cosy and
hearty place for our guests.

The Rivellino
he "Rivellino" is the link between the Watchtower
and the eastern tower. Built with bricks it dates
back to the year 1460 and it was used as a public
oven by the people living inside Castello San
Giovanni. Inside you can clearly see the original
door with chains operating the draw bridge.
Nowadays this space is used as an evocative dining
room for guests having breakfast and dinner. The
"Rivellino" is also used for special events and
ceremonies.

The Castle
The Castle was built by the Cardinal Egidio Albornoz
with the name of San Giovanni della Botonta in
1376 and offered as a feud to the Botontei gens.
Noble houses dating back to the 15th century are
preserved inside the walls, which were built to
protect the existing settlement developed around
the roman church of "San Giovanni de Botonta" or
"de Porcaria".
The remains of the old draw bridge that led to the
entrance tower are also still visible and until World
War Two there use to be a moat around the castle.

The church built in the middle of the castle is
dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, celebrated on
the 24th of June. During the celebrations, the
tradition of preparing "acqua odorosa dei cento
fiori" or scented water of one hundred flowers is still
in place: the evening before the celebration is
scheduled, people soak aromatic herbs and petals
in a tank filled with water, which then becomes
delicately scented the following day.