Romitorio Di Serelle – A Detailed Review

“Romitorio” comes from the word “romito,” meaning hermit—a person devoted to meditation and prayer. In Tuscany, these peaceful retreats also served as resting spots for pilgrims and offered a quiet connection to the region’s nature.

Unlike modern accommodations, a romitorio is often set in a tranquil, and scenic location, that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle.

We chose this place as our base in Tuscany because it was perfect for us. Two grown-up couples looking for something peaceful, full of history, and with the kind of quality that made it feel like home.

And it had wonderful reviews!

History and Cultural Context

Historically, a romitorio was a place of peace and solitude, and the Romitorio di Serelle was just that. In medieval times, it served as a refuge for pilgrims traveling to the Benedictine monastery of Camaldoli. The oldest part of the structure dates back to the 1100s, with additions completed in the 1400s.

The location of the hamlet was strategically important, positioned near the border of Florence and Siena and close to the Via Francigena, a major pilgrimage route. In the 1300s, the Romitorio was under Florence’s protection, but as nearby Castellina grew in influence, the monks gradually lost control. By the 1500s, the hamlet was expanded and fortified to defend against adventurers passing through the area. However, by the 1600s, the decline had begun, and the monks eventually left as towns and cities grew around them.

For centuries after, the Romitorio became home to generations of Tuscan farming families. In 1988, the Folonari family purchased the surrounding estate, including the hamlet. Ten years later, in 1998, the Banti family became the new owners and began welcoming visitors from around the world in 2001, turning this historic site into a beautiful and peaceful retreat for travelers.

Arrival and First Impressions

We drove in from Florence, and as we got close, the road turned into a dusty path winding along vineyards, which made the arrival feel even more special. We could see the romitorio up on the small hill, with the sun slowly setting behind it, as we arrived in the late afternoon. When we passed through the gate, the whole area felt warm and inviting, like the perfect place to start our Tuscan adventure.

We parked our car and headed to the reception, where the owners warmly greeted us. They were incredibly friendly and took the time to show us around, explain everything about the property, and share details about activities and nearby places to explore. Although they spoke most of the time with my Italian husband, they were also fluent in English. Their hospitality made us feel right at home from the start.

Accommodation

There are 15 apartments at Romitorio di Serelle, ranging from cozy one-bedroom retreats to spacious three-bedroom accommodations.

Being two adult couples, we chose the La Stalla lodging. This cozy apartment gets its name from its history as a stable for courtyard animals, but now it’s a welcoming and comfortable space filled with charm. It is thoughtfully decorated with carefully chosen details, and the fabrics bring a touch of traditional Tuscany that feels warm and inviting.

The main entrance is through an inner courtyard, which leads to a bright and spacious living room. Here, you’ll find a soft pull-out sofa bed and a kitchenette equipped with everything you need to cook up a meal on the stove. Just beyond the living room, a glass door opens to a small private garden with stunning views of the Chianti countryside with a perfect spot to relax, have a meal, or simply enjoy the scenery.

The apartment is cleverly laid out for both comfort and privacy. A separate sleeping area includes a bedroom that can be set up with either two single beds or one queen, plus a master bedroom with an additional single bed. There are two bathrooms, both with good-pressure showers, making it easy for everyone to have their private space.

Both the inner courtyard and the little garden are yours to enjoy. Whether you’re having breakfast, reading a good book, or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and functional, with a touch of Tuscany’s rustic charm.

Food and Dining

The “Taverna del Romitorio” is located in the oldest part of the property, where animals were once fed. Today, it has been transformed into a welcoming restaurant that keeps its rustic charm. The original clay tile floors, wooden beam ceilings, and old Tuscan tools and farming equipment on display create an authentic and cozy atmosphere.

In the summer, you can enjoy your meals on the terrace, with beautiful views of the Chianti hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The restaurant is exclusively for guests and serves traditional Tuscan dishes made with recipes passed down through generations. Simple, flavorful food is the focus here, served alongside local wine and the estate’s own olive oil.

The Taverna offers breakfast, light lunches, and dinner. Breakfast is a hearty mix of fresh, homemade items like pastries, jams, fruit salad, cheeses, cold cuts, eggs, and much much more. Lunch features lighter options such as cold dishes, sandwiches, and Tuscan specialties, perfect for a quick meal or a picnic in a straw basket in the countryside. The dinner menu, changing every day, includes both traditional and modern Tuscan dishes, prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

For added convenience, guests can request a “Dinner Delivery” service to enjoy their meal in their apartment. The restaurant also meets dietary needs with vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as child-friendly portions or options for pregnant people.

The Taverna del Romitorio offers good food in a relaxed setting and is a great spot to enjoy the flavors of Tuscany.

Experiences and Activities

Exploring a new place isn’t just about the sights, it’s also about experiencing the flavors and aromas that define the region. In Tuscany, wine, olive oil, and traditional cuisine are an essential part of the journey. At the Romitorio, they offer weekly wine and olive oil tastings, as well as fresh pasta-making classes, all held in a charming orangery. Reservations are required for these experiences.

WINE TASTING

During restoration work in 1999, a small cellar was uncovered in the oldest part of the hamlet. Originally built around 1100, it was already perfectly designed for storing and aging wine. After a thorough cleaning, the cellar was brought back to life, regaining both its original beauty and function.

Today, the cellar houses a carefully curated selection of Tuscan wines. The collection features some of the most famous wineries from Chianti Classico, Montepulciano, and Montalcino, as well as hidden gems from smaller, lesser-known producers, including organic and biodynamic wines.

The wine-tasting experience was a relaxed and enjoyable introduction to Tuscany’s famous “nectar,” its rich history, and the unique characteristics that make each bottle special. We had a very nice sommelier – Katarina, who explained the sight, smell, and taste of a wine to truly appreciate it. She also had some funny stories up her sleeve.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL TASTING

This guided experience helped us to identify and savor the unique aromas, flavors, and colors of high-quality olive oil and offered us a deeper appreciation for this iconic product.

FRESH PASTA LESSONS

You can join the chef to uncover the secrets of making perfect fresh pasta from scratch. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare tagliatelle and ravioli using simple ingredients—flour, eggs, and water, with a bit of technique. It is a fun and rewarding way to connect with Italy’s culinary heritage.

Surroundings and Natural Beauty

The first thing you notice is the vineyard. It stretches out in every direction, surrounding the property and making it feel like a true Tuscan escape. As you approach the dusty road, the romitorio sits on a small hill, and the view is absolutely stunning.

Inside the stone walls, the property is a mix of connected buildings that look beautiful no matter where you stand. You can wander around, taking in the gardens, courtyards, and countryside views. Olive groves, colorful flowers, and cypress trees are everywhere, adding to the peaceful vibe. Along the way, you might be joined by two friendly cats, Oliva and Salvia (Italian name for Sage), who seem to love accompanying guests on their walks.

There’s a gazebo with views of the vineyards, a lovely green orangery surrounded by flowers, and a pool that’s just right for cooling off on a hot summer day. The whole place feels calm, inviting, and full of simple charm.

The romitorio is perfectly located in the heart of Tuscany, which makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region and countryside.

Nearby Attractions

Florence is an hour away, perfect for a day trip. If you are traveling by car, don’t forget to get a ZTL pass, as the traffic in the city center is limited and not obtaining it would cost you much. If you want to get a ZTL pass, click HERE.

The beautiful town of Siena is just about 40 minutes away by car. The city center is walkable, and you can park your car close to it, for example in Parcheggio Santa Caterina.
See our Perfect Day in Siena Itinerary, to make the most out of your trip.

San Gimignano, with its iconic towers and the best gelato in Italy, is just a short 30-minute drive away and perfect for a leisurely afternoon. If you’re up for a slightly longer adventure, you can combine the trip with Volterra, which offers a quieter, more authentic Tuscan vibe with its Etruscan walls and Roman theater.

Wine lovers will appreciate the scenic road trip to Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano. This perfect day trip will take you through breathtaking views of the countryside where you can sip and enjoy world-famous wines.

A beautiful gem is Certaldo. This charming little town is only 30 minutes away with a medieval old town that you reach by funicular. It is well worth the trip.

Service and Hospitality

The hospitality at the romitorio was exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed, as mentioned earlier, with friendly and helpful staff always available to assist with any questions or requests. Although it’s a self-service stay, with room cleaning only provided once a week, the warm and attentive atmosphere more than made up for it.

The range of services offered onsite is impressive. They provide cribs for families, dry cleaning, and free wi-fi. For those looking to explore, there are mountain bikes available, and the staff is happy to offer suggestions and make reservations for wine tastings, guided tours in multiple languages, museum visits, and even massages.

The onsite restaurant deserves a special mention. It was incredible in quality, delivering delicious meals that perfectly captured the essence of Tuscan cuisine. Overall, the peaceful setting and excellent service made the experience truly memorable.

A minor drawback might be the self-service aspect for those used to daily room cleaning, but this didn’t detract from the overall comfort and hospitality we experienced.

Tips for Future Visitors

BEST TIME TO VISIT

We stayed in late September and early October, and the weather was perfect for exploring the Tuscan countryside. Autumn is particularly charming with its changing colors, wine harvesting, and olive picking season.

Summer (July and August) can be very hot, and it’s the busiest and most expensive time to visit Tuscany. However, the pool offers a great way to cool off, and the apartments have air conditioning for added comfort.

Spring is another wonderful time to visit, with blooming trees and vibrant landscapes. June, in particular, is full of local festivities, including parades, dances, and games in nearby towns.

The romitorio is closed to visitors during the winter months.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

While there’s a restaurant onsite, it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so bring some basic supplies like pasta, olive oil, and drinks. Fresh vegetables and meats can be purchased at the larger supermarket in Poggibonsi (20 minutes by car) or smaller shops in Castellina in Chianti, which is closer.

If you are visiting during the cooler months, pack layers as the evenings can get chilly, especially since the romitorio is surrounded by nature. You’ll be walking and exploring a lot, so skip the high heels, they’re unnecessary in Tuscany!

GETTING AROUND

You don’t need an SUV to navigate the dusty white road leading to the romitorio. We managed just fine in a Golf GT, but very low sports cars like a Ferrari might have some trouble!

Booking Experiences Be sure to reserve wine tastings, olive oil experiences, or pasta-making classes in advance if you’re interested in these activities. The team onsite is helpful and can guide you to make the most of your stay.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Our stay at the Romitorio di Serelle was unforgettable. The peaceful surroundings, rich history, and welcoming hospitality made it a truly special experience. We loved the stunning views of the vineyards, the beautifully restored buildings, and the incredible food at the restaurant. The services offered were thoughtful and added to our stay, though the self-service set-up and remote location might not suit everyone. This is the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic getaway, families wanting a unique base to explore Tuscany or anyone who appreciates history and quiet beauty. We’d recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Tuscany. It’s a place that leaves you with beautiful memories, and we will definitely return someday!