Rastrello

The Rastrello Boutique Hotel team is made up of 6 people, all of who are local with close ties to Panicale. We believe in cross-training, which allows us to offer the highest level of guest service. Panicale has always held a special place in our founder's heart ever since her parents moved there in 1995. Since then, they have been making extra virgin olive oil on their farm, at the foot of Panicale. When the abandoned Palazzo Grossi was purchased in 2017 and from the inspiration of the communal activity of the olive harvest together with the communal nature of a boutique hotel, the brand "Rastrello" was created. Rastrello is the Italian word for the hand rake used to gently pluck ripe olives from the tree. For us, it is the symbol of family and friends coming together in the olive grove to share the age-old beauty of the harvest. We want guests to experience this special jewel of Italy in a way that is different from the typical Italian city. A unique experience that will give a glimpse of typical Italian village life, with local products, people, and experience.

Rastrello’s intimate boutique hotel is a historic building dating back to the 1500s. It is situated in the medieval town walls of Panicale, on top of a mountain overlooking Lago Trasimeno. Our boutique hotel emphasizes Umbrian products from cheeses and charcuterie to local wines and Italian craft beers. There are many activities to help immerse you in local culture, including the old theater, that hosts the PanOpera Festival in September. Our guests can experience the olive harvest or hunting for truffles and local herbs, then learning how to make a meal from their gatherings afterwards. For the more active traveler, there are walking, hiking and biking trails directly from Panicale. We like to support Italian/local artists with a rotating art exhibit in the reception and lounge, and we sponsor artists’ visits to encourage inspiration from the local landscape and culture. Rastrello Boutique Hotel is designed with modern comforts in a historic ambiance. Every guest room has a view to the Lake, a view that will transport you back in time to a Perugino fresco.

Panicale has been recognized as one of the “Borghi più belli d'Italia” (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy). It is located in Umbria on the border with Tuscany. Umbria is called the “green heart” of Italy because of its central location and natural landscape. Olive trees fill the fields and line the roads, representing olive oil as an important part of local culture. Panicale is situated equidistance from Rome and Florence, with a fast train to each city leaving from Chiusi (25 minute drive from Panicale). We cater to the world traveler who wants to experience the “real” Italy, the typical Italian village, away from the big cities. Even though Panicale is small, there are a few wonderful restaurants and cafes to choose from, all of which are only a minute walk from the hotel. Panicale is a close drive to many lovely Umbrian towns, such as Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto, Solomeo, Montefalco, Gubbio and Deruta. With Tuscany so close, it is also very easy to drive to Chiusi, Cortona, Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano and Arezzo.