The Badia
La Badia exudes a strong, strange energy, no doubt originating
in the place itself and in those who founded it as a religious
community in 1645.
Established as a venue for religious retreat, it offers to
inhabitants, albeit temporary ones, a welcoming and reserved
environment ideal for regenerating the spirit and enjoying natural
beauty.
From its panoramic vantage point above Arezzo,
it is surrounded by age-old chestnut forests, their underbrush rich
with wild asparagus, mushrooms and blackberries.
During regenerative, invigorating walks, it's not uncommon to
meet, in the enchantment of the surroundings, wild creatures such as
porcupines, boars, squirrels and wolves.
The magnificent sunset experienced
poolside is almost impossible to resist, and a candlelight dinner
complements the perfect atmosphere for a romantic stay.
The experienced staff looks forward to organizing
your conferences, business meetings, weddings, ceremonies and other
important events.
HistoryHistorical notes of La Badia
The “Badia di Pomaio” was established as a monastery
in 1644. Two brothers from
Arezzo, Vallombrosan monks, Don Gregorio and Don Guglielmo
Rasi, founded a new monastery using the considerable
inheritance from their father, naming it after the founder of their
order, San Giovanni Gualberto.
Pope Innocent X supported their efforts,
transferring to the new monastery the privileges of that of San Romolo
alle Pratora, the latter being in a horrible, freezing location and,
moreover, in ruins. The two founding brothers were still living when
another pontiff, Innocent XI, decided however to
pursue the virtuous ideal of monks living together, thus abolishing all
the small monasteries including the very Abbey of Pomaio.
The monastery was transformed into Grancia. Grancia was the
name that monks of various orders, including that of the Vallombrosans,
gave to their farms.
The Pomaio Abbey thus was transformed, in
subsequent centuries from a place of retreat and prayer into one of
work, the nerve center for the management of vast agricultural
territories belonging to the Church.
From the second half of the 19th century
it was inhabited by various sharecropper families, until the ‘60s when,
with the depopulation of the countryside and the end of farming, “La
Badia” was completely abandoned.
A lengthy and painstaking restoration resulted in the
hotel and restaurant Badia di Pomaio, a place where one can still
breathe the peaceful, tranquil air of days gone by.
The surroundings of The Badia
The Province of Arezzo in particular, like Tuscany
in general, is rich in destinations of interest both artistic and
gastronomic.
Siena and Chianti, Florence, Cortona and Perugia
are all easily reachable in less than an hour.
The Restaurant
- The restaurant’s original cuisine makes prevalent use of
local, natural products, organic wherever possible.
- The refinement of a culinary art that delights the palate,
even of the most demanding diners, with healthy and flavorful dishes,
is the philosophy of a style that sets us apart.
- In summertime, guests may enjoy meals on the panoramic
terrace.
- For lovers of fine wine, the ancient stone cavern houses a
prestigious selection of local, national and international wines.
Activities
The facility is situated at an altitude of 650 meters, making
it ideal for physical-athletic training.
- The breathtaking Alpe di Poti area surrounding La Badia
allows for pleasant excursions on foot or mountain
bike.
- A splendid pool is
at the disposal of the guests. Here one can relax, enjoying a peaceful
interlude on a natural terrace overlooking the Arezzo panorama.
- For sports lovers, a Golf Club,
a Tennis Centre with Five-a-side
football and a Major an center are available nearby the facilities.
- The guests have the use, via special agreement, of a
top-notch wellness center only 5
kilometers away.
- For those who love a culinary challenge and to learn new
recipes, there are cooking classes,
introducing you to the fascinating world of Tuscan traditions and
flavors, and matching each dish with the best local wines.
Combining an elegant family atmosphere with refined,
modern service is the strong point of this setting, ensuring a unique
and pleasant stay.
Comfortable, quiet rooms, equipped with all the amenities,
maintain an atmosphere of days gone by.
The carefully-chosen, elegant furnishings are in perfect
harmony with the warm colors of the terracotta flooring and the
wood/brick ceilings.
The guests have the choice of 18 rooms,
including:
- Suites
- Classic queen rooms
- Superior queen rooms
- Twin rooms
- Single rooms
All rooms have:
- private bathrooms with showers
- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- air conditioning
- direct-line telephones
- minibars
- in-room safes
- wireless Internet
