The 12 Oldest Villas You Can Stay At In Italy

Italy became a nation in 1861 when most of the Italian peninsula united under King Victor Emmanuel II, the then-king of Sardinia. Prior to this, Risorgimento, as it was known, consisted of a number of independent states, some of which were under the control of foreign nations such as Austria and France. Of course, Italy's history stretches all the way back to antiquity. It weathered the fall of an Empire in AD 476, endured the domination of the Papal states during the Middle Ages, and shone a light into the dark recesses of Europe during the Renaissance. All that history carried with it a multitude of traditions, art, and architecture, many of which survive to this day. Those looking to stay in a truly historic building while vacationing in Europe are well served by its southern peninsula. Still, caveats abound.

To start with, buildings of Roman construction are far too precious to turn into accommodations. The same cannot be said of some of Italy's medieval castles. You're more likely to find them converted into hotels, such as the Castello di Vicarello or the sumptuous Albergo del Sole al Pantheon than rentable villas. Even so, although you can discover an occasional pre-Renaissance villa that has survived the ravages of time and somehow managed to escape private purchase, they are the exception to the norm. Well-preserved historical villas of the early modern period, on the other hand, exist in considerable numbers, especially in locations that have long been associated with the Italian desire for a countryside escape, such as Tuscany, Venice, and the verdant lands surrounding Florence. Few of these precious buildings come cheap, but for those willing to splash out, they are more than worth it.

Anyone who has visited the shores of Lake Como will know it is one of the most stunning vacation spots in the world. It's ideal for those health-kick walking holidays and a private boat tour on the lake itself. Of course, there's always the opportunity to rent a stunning villa and relax to the sound of gently lapping water. There are few rentals as impressive as Villa Pliniana. Built in the 16^th century by Count Giovanni Anguissola, the villa was designed as a place of wonder and a celebration of the spring itself. Set on an 18-acre stretch of coast and about 20 minutes from Como, Italy, the villa sports 17 bedrooms, a private boat dock, and a fully equipped spa.

You will find a mix of weathered Renaissance chic and crisp modern lines inside. The bedrooms are spacious, and most offer stunning views of the lake. Terraces stretch across the entire frontage, and the grounds are interspersed with exquisitely landscaped gardens. Still, despite its age, the villa is no slouch when it comes to modern conveniences. The pool is supplied with water from the lake, rooms are climate-controlled, and a full hotel service is on offer for guests.

As you'd expect from a villa that once hosted Shelley and Byron, musicians of the caliber of Liszt and Bellini, and even saw Napoleon Bonaparte enjoy a game of billiards, the price is the only sticking point. A single night here will set you back around $95,000, although the rates are more manageable if you stay longer. Breakfast is included, and the villa can host thirty guests at a time, making it an excellent place for large groups or wedding parties that can facilitate a shared cost.

Pisa is one of those cities that finds itself overshadowed by a single distinctive feature. For the record, yes, Pisa is well worth a visit (even if you skip the leaning tower). The same is true for the surrounding area. Pisa is, in actuality, an entire province, and a province of Tuscany at that. And that means it's situated in an area littered with charming villas. There are few finer examples of this trend than in the region around San Giuliano Terme. Located around an hour's drive from Florence and under 10 minutes from Pisa, this sleepy yet vibrant town has long been known for its lush green fields, mountain views, and exquisite geothermal spas.

Villa il Pino is certainly one of the oldest and most luxurious rentable villas on offer here. The former country mansion dates to the 18^th century and was constructed with conspicuous views of Monte Pisani in mind. It's also close to the River Arno, making it ideal for those looking for a hiking holiday. Still, its proximity to Florence, Pisa, and several nearby Ligurian beaches makes it a fantastic jumping-off point for any number of adventures. Recently renovated, the unit features two bedrooms and costs around $1,000 per night, depending on the season.

As the name suggests, Castello Chiola hasn't always been a guesthouse. Nestled in Loreto Aprutino, about 7 miles from the Abbey of Saint Mary De Lago, it certainly fits most people's image of what an ancient castle should look like. The fort's foundations were laid down in 864 during a tumultuous time in the region's history. This period was dominated by Frankish conquerors who set themselves up as the Counts of Marsi and eventually swept aside the prior Lombardy dynasty. The stronghold witnessed dramas unfold as the centuries wore on. It was transformed into a Norman outpost during the 11th-century annexation of Southern Italy, and it eventually fell into the ownership of the D'Aquino family for almost 250 years before falling into disrepair. 

By the mid-19^th century, it was acquired by the Chiola family, who, over the next 150 years or so, renovated the castle into the neo-15th-century splendor on display today. Although currently undergoing another restoration, the castle and its surrounding buildings still have much to offer. There are 36 rooms, and the citadel still serves as a backdrop to countless genuine fairytale wedding experiences.

This is one of the must-visit spots in Tuscany. This Italian region is much-favored and filled with, at the very least, rich history, Chianti, and — as this list attests — a generous supply of stunning rentable villas. Villa Cortana not only clocks in as one of the oldest in the region but also one of the most magnificent. The villa's name is derived from the hilltop settlement it is a part of. Just over 20 minutes north of Lake Trasimeno, the town of Cortona still celebrates its Etruscan roots, which date back to pre-Roman times. It is surrounded by ancient ruins, city fortifications, and even sports a Renaissance-era cathedral. The surrounding hills are lush with vegetation and stretch for uninterrupted miles, bringing a sense of isolation and serenity hard to find even within the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside. And then there is the villa itself.

Of 17th-century construction, it's located just a short distance from the town and is surrounded by ancient trees and rolling hills. Its recent renovation added many modern amenities to the property, including a stunning pool, air conditioning, and summer-essential insect screens. There are almost 11,000 square feet of property to enjoy, all of which are fitted with a combination of antique furniture, terracotta tiled floors, and elaborate tapestries. Price-wise, the villa does not come cheap: you won't get much change from $1,500 per night for a stay at this luxury lodging, and that's during the low season. A 1-week stay during the summer can cost 10 times that amount, although the property sleeps 18 people, so opportunities to share the load exist.

Set in an enviable nine hectares of woodland, this 16th-century villa was built in the Palladian style and is located in Levada, just 30 miles north of Venice. So sumptuous is the design that the architecture alone is worth a visit even if you're not planning on staying. The house is constructed with two arcaded wings, and the central building is reserved for the in-resident owners. Still, renting one wing of this superb example of a much-beloved style somehow manages to outshine some of the best villas you'll find anywhere in the world.

There is a private Italianate garden and pool to enjoy, a football field and fishing pond to explore, and a dedicated barbecue spot and changing area to while away the hours. Inside the climate-controlled building, you'll find period-perfect décor supplemented by modern, comfortable furnishings. The bathrooms are adorned with Vietri tiles; exposed beams crisscross the ceilings, and some rooms have an ensuite. It's perfect, really. It is, of course, not cheap: Expect to pay around $9,000 per week depending on the season. For that, you'll get enough space to accommodate 8 people, as well as the presented opportunities that come with being only around a 30-minute drive from Venice.

Salento is a peninsula in southern Italy, a narrow outcropping of land that most people think of as the heel of the Italian boot itself. It's part of the broader region known as Puglia, which has long been famed for its unique culinary traditions, fine sandy beaches, and fascinating historical attractions. It's one of those places well-suited to those who want to know how to explore Italy on a shoestring budget; this far south, the weather is divine, and accommodation leans affordable. Indeed, the whole area is dotted with some of the best campsites anywhere in Europe. Still, for those looking for something a little more upmarket, the multitude of small towns and villages you'll find within the region offer countless hidden gems. Take the Palazzo Giustinian, for example.

This 17th-century former palace rests in Sogliano Cavour, a town famed for its excellent hiking, bustling markets, and a multitude of festivals. The impressive structure is under 20 miles from the city of Leece, known as the Florence of the South to locals, thanks to its association with fine art and architecture. Meanwhile, the villa has been subdivided into two separate properties, L'Ambasciatore and Il Doge. The former accommodates up to 14 guests, while the latter sleeps 10. Both are stunning, featuring air conditioning throughout, and offer access to a deep-immersion swimming pool, open fireplaces, and two large terraces. Prices start at around $2,000 a night.

Piedmont is known for many things: Its exquisite alba truffles, rugged mountains that make for an amazing wine and food vacation, and world-class winter skiing. Its capital, Turin, is the home of what is perhaps the most famous relic of all, and if that's not enough to tempt a quick visit, it also just so happens to be the birthplace of Nutella. The region is also blessed with one of Italy's most beautiful lakes, Lake Maggiore, a sprawling, island-dotted waterway with a coastline between Piedmont and Lombardy. Sitting on an unassuming corner of the lake, less than a mile from the beach, is Villa Ghis.

It's been there since the 17th century when it was originally constructed as a country estate. In 1920, French Philosopher Maurice Blondel, a plant lover, acquired the property. Its association with fine gardens continues to this day; there are four of them in total: French, English, Japanese, and Italian. The main building is 3 stories tall and can accommodate up to 12 people. A recently constructed annex can house four more. It's close to $2,800 a night, and for that, you'll get access to a private 50 x 20-foot pool, maid service, and a well-equipped kitchen. Stunning views of the lake framed by the majesty of the Alps do, of course, come gratis.

Situated on the Amalfi Coast and an hour south of Pompeii lies the town of Positano, famed for its cliffside dwellings, gorgeous beaches, historic ambiance, and coastal exploration. Known locally as the Pearl of the Amalfi Coast, the town is home to many fascinating and ancient villas, some of which are available as rentals. Assunta is one such place.

The villa dates back to the 1700s, and its proximity to Naples — which is a must-visit destination for history buffs — and stunning ocean views make it one of the most exclusive villas in southern Italy. Sporting not one but 3 spacious terraces — 1 for each floor — all overlook the bay; it comes equipped with a large pool, 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and enough space to accommodate 15 guests. Such unparalleled views of the ever-beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea, however, come with a premium price tag. The minimum stay is for 7 nights, and the lowest price you can expect to pay is just under $10,000 per night, with a high season price of a blistering $87,000 for a week's stay.

There has always been a mystique surrounding the concept of a Venetian retreat. For much of Venice's history, true power lay with a Great Council of titled nobility. The council ruled for over 1,000 years, gathering immense power, influence, and wealth. And there were few better ways to announce one's greatness than via the simple romance of an opulent Venetian retreat.

Today, Venice remains a city of romance. It is a place of bucket-list gondola rides, a center of art, culture, and lifelong learning. It's also decidedly crowded; the city receives almost 5 million visitors annually. The town of Mirano, located just 20 minutes away from Venice, is, by comparison, something of an oasis. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the verdant countryside around Mirano made the area a favorite place of refuge for the Venetian nobility looking to escape the summer crowds. A staggering 36 of these period villas survived, and Villa Michiel's elegant design and classic approach to comfort allow it to go toe to toe with the best of them.

As you progress down the white gravel path from the main gate, its White-stoned façade comes into view, displaying the elegant lines of the symmetry-obsessed era that birthed it. The grounds spread out around you: forested areas for shade, a small lake at the rear, and a hefty private pool to one side. The interior also fails to disappoint. You'll find terracotta flooring, exposed beams, sophisticated furnishings, and even the occasional fresco. The villa accommodates 11 people across its 6 bedrooms, and prices start at $6,000 per week.

While the Venetians were busily creating a mercantile empire without their peers, their archrival, Florence, sought artistic and financial dominance over the entire peninsula. Both sets of nobility competed with one another when it came to displays of wealth. Villa di Corsano, however, began life as a 10th-century hunting lodge in service to King Berengario II. Located just 9 miles south of Siena – which even today provides visitors with Italy's best medieval experience – the property changed hands many times over the years. By the time the Renaissance arrived, the villa had been snapped up by a powerful banking family, who wasted little time converting the ancient edifice into a residence fit for the age.

Today, the villa maintains its medieval charm, presenting itself as a somewhat defensible structure dominated by an interior courtyard. Ancient, exposed beams are present throughout, as are delicately curved ceilings, terracotta arches, and some of the most stunning frescoes in Tuscany. The property even comes with its own honest-to-goodness chapel, and its dining room hearth is said to be the largest in the entire region. Despite its age, however, concessions to modernity have been made. Lemon trees surround a 50-foot pool, the kitchen is kitted out with modern equipment, and the furnishing has been selected for maximum comfort. There are five bedrooms in total, and it's possible to rent the villa for months at a time.

Castello del Galateo is another hidden gem set against the backdrop of the wonderous Tuscan countryside. Dating back to the 15th century and recently renovated, it can comfortably accommodate up to 20 people. It offers easy access to the Tuscan capital via a 30-minute drive, meaning those must-visit spots in Florence are right at your fingertips. It's also over an hour's drive to the medieval town of Siena.

As if easy access to two of Italy's most visitable locations wasn't enough, the former fortification naturally commands stunning views of the surrounding area. Guests are treated to an uninterrupted 360-degree vista of tranquil, rolling hills dotted with trees, farmhouses, and winding streams. Its walled compound — replete with a heated salt-water pool — creates an intimate ambiance laden with the luxury of privacy. The air of calm finds itself accentuated by the property's remoteness.

You'll also find a fully equipped gym inside, a billiard room, a vegetable garden you are free to make use of, and all the comforts you'd expect from a modern dwelling, albeit one set in a genuinely medieval backdrop. Bedrooms are furnished to the highest quality; en-suites abound, as do copper-coated bathtubs, oak floors, and four-poster beds.

South of Venice and less than 30 minutes south of Vicenza lies the Berici Hills, a series of gentle mountain ridges covered with sheets of seasonal poppies, dense thickets of holm oak, and, unsurprisingly for Veneto, glorious ribbons of carefully tended vineyards. The timeless serenity of the region, alongside its near equidistant proximity to Venice, Verona, and Padova, meant that the hilly terrain proved irresistible to nobles in search of a summer retreat. The place is littered with impressive villas, but Ca' Fortebraccio stands out with its historic appeal and stunning architecture.

Set in over 10 acres of carefully sculpted parkland, the 16th-century villa is of great architectural significance. Designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi — a pupil of the much-lauded Andrea Palladio — the simplicity of form and stunning portico are without peer. The villa has everything you'd expect: terracotta floors, vaulted ceilings, and open fireplaces blend seamlessly with modern kitchen designs, shaded dining enclaves, and an infinity pool fringed with fruiting olive trees. It can accommodate up to 12 people at once and costs an eye-watering $25,000 per week; it's more expensive in the high season.