History
HISTORY
Grand Hotel San Gemini is an enchanting and exclusive heritage hotel nestling in the heart of Umbria, in one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. History, art and elegance meet luxury and technology in a complex that also boasts a fine restaurant, a well-stocked wine cellar, several meeting rooms and a swimming pool surrounded by luxuriant greenery.
THE STORY OF PALAZZO SANTACROCE
The ducal palace of the Santacroce family, one of Rome's oldest, most prestigious and distinguished bloodlines, was built between 1729 and 1730 along the walls of San Gemini, on the site where we now find Porta Romana, the impressive archway built by the Santacroce family to underline their dominion. Above the entrance door to the “civitas ducalis Sancti Gemini”, now reinterpreted as a triumphal arch, is the coat of arms and inscription dedicated to the noble Santacroce family. The building's sumptuous elegance perfectly embodies the architecture of 18th-century noblemen's palaces. The 'castle' effect is further accented by the corner towers, reminiscent of turrets on a fortress, although their purpose now is purely symbolic. The window cornices on the upper floor, which stretches along the southern side and includes an englobed round tower, are crowned with decorative reverse scroll pediments. Outside, the large garden, now public, is overlooked by the building's elegant double balcony which complements the visuals of this aristocratic residence.
FROM ARISTOCRATIC RESIDENCE TO HOTEL
In 1910 the Palace became the "Grand Hotel". Newspaper articles from the time tell us that the hotel was inaugurated on 17 July of that year by the lawyer Carlo Violati, President of the mineral water company 'Società Anonima dell'Acqua Minerale Sangemini'. A poster proudly announced the opening of a new hotel "built with all the amenities and comforts of a prime summer establishment". Early in 2020, 110 years since it first opened, the hotel was taken over by Antonio Tacconi, who embarked on a major renovation and refurbishment, to return the building to its historic splendour under the new name "Grand Hotel San Gemini". The refurbished hotel is now an important vehicle for the tourism industry in San Gemini, a "Slow City" renowned for its famous mineral water. The town's historic centre, which dates from medieval times, was recently renovated thanks to the San Gemini Onlus heritage association, which ran conservation and restoration courses for university students during the summer.
CULTURAL EVENTS
The ground floor of the refurbished edifice now has a series of rooms and spaces for important cultural events, performances and exhibitions. Concerts, conferences, theatrical performances, book presentations, exhibitions and meetings are all enhanced by the splendid setting of the Fresco Room. Grand Hotel Sangemini is now ready to welcome its guests, who will enjoy an exclusive stay in a beautiful and prestigious setting.