Guests Unveil Their Top Old-World Accommodations in European Countries
Learn about a selection of special historic places to stay across Europe, from centuries-old grand houses to medieval castles and unusual retreats.
A Grand Venice Palazzo
A pair of travelers managed to secure a magnificent 500-year-old mansion in Venice for merely €100 per evening. Located in the peaceful backstreets of Cannaregio, the facade seems unassuming, but inside, grandeur unfolds.
Visitors can walk through a verdant decorative garden, appreciate a spacious foyer adorned with murals and Renaissance art, lit by sparkling Murano chandeliers. The welcome space boasts an vintage velvet armchair, suited for sipping a Italian sparkling wine or Venetian spritz.
Dating back to the 16th century, the early residents supplied Venice with two doges. Nowadays, the stone corridors and high-ceilinged rooms retain a refined, aristocratic feel, like spirits of Caravaggio or a renowned painter could appear and begin painting. The morning meal of cappuccino and pastries in the courtyard, provided by welcoming owners, makes for a delightful start to the day.
An Italian School in a Ancient Fortress
Situated to the east of Torino in the heart of the Monferrato region, a stunning fortress with history to the 11th century features a live-in culinary program. Although a significant portion of the present building was built approximately 1700 on original foundations, it has been meticulously renovated by a dedicated family.
Guests can experience fantastic cooking classes, as well as engaging outings and experiences. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travelers interested in Italian cuisine and the past.
A Stunningly Refurbished Estate in Romania
Situated above a charming Romanian village, an 1700s residence provides beautiful lodging next to one of the location’s finest medieval religious sites. Located at the end of a green tree-lined gorge, the impressive but cozy rooms showcase period regional artwork and furniture, creating the sensation of stepping into a 19th-century story.
Visitors can savor dining by candlelight on the terrace, cooked by a community culinary expert, and while away days in the grand book-filled space. The manor hosts up to nine people, and reasonable costs offer an budget-friendly and enchanting escape.
An Ancient Castle Perched Above the Danube
If you looking to immerse in old-world eras, a historic castle located on a cliff above the great waterway in southern Germany provides an unforgettable visit. Approachable via a challenging winding bike trail up a sheer outcrop, the building includes whitewashed walls that screen a big central area with cozy sleeping quarters and a wonderful pub in a cellar.
The breathtaking location provides magnificent scenery across the nearby protected area and wonderful sunsets. Apparently haunted, exploring the hallways and alleyways in search of ghosts is highly enjoyable for everyone. A substantial breakfast with an abundance of delectable pastries provides sustenance for additional travel.
An Unusual Fruit-Themed Retreat in Stirling
Challenging to convey, this historic dedication to a exotic produce is perched on a country site near central Scotland. A section houses sleeping quarters and a facilities, divided from the basic cooking area and inviting common space by the unique tower. Definitely eccentric, staying here gives a novel adventure for visitors looking for something out of the ordinary.
Pet-welcoming and sleeping 4, the property contains old books and logbooks from the seventies, offering entertainment in the non-presence of television and connectivity.
World War I Past in Belgium
In a Belgian town that was free during the Great War, a historical building once acted as a gathering place for British soldiers. Now, the building has been well preserved by knowledgeable staff, and the chapel in the attic is a very special place of reflection.
The sleeping quarters and breakfast are charming and largely in the style of the early club.
Patio Accommodations in the City of Seville
Although this Spanish city is known for its old hotels, many can be expensive. One choice provides unexpectedly budget-friendly rates and a central spot. This is a Renaissance-era courtyard structure with Mudéjar roots from the Middle Ages.
Guests can stay in rooms organized around a shared open space, once used for local activities like cooking and laundry. It’s a particularly evocative destination for enthusiasts of {Spanish golden age theatre|