External Reviews
The Times online 2005: "Founded in 1296, the hilltop Gigliotto estate enjoys splendid views over eastern Sicily and close proximity to the spectacular Villa del Casale and the hill town of Caltagirone. The current owners have added 15 charming, traditionally furnished rooms in a reconstructed stone lodge, and a restaurant that uses their organic produce."
The meals here are one of the star attractions
Features
- Swimming Pool
- Organic Food
- Wine tasting
- Children friendly
- Local historic sites
- Horse riding
- Hiking
| Agriturismo Gigliotto - Piazza Armerina, Sicily, Italy | |
Sustainability Scorecard
|
From €80 EURO p/dbl
|
Good For You
Balanced on a lush, green hilltop with views stretching across eastern Sicily stands the Gigliotto estate. Founded in 1296, this picturesque farmhouse started out life as a monastery but today offers sun-filled accommodation for culinary connoisseurs.
The estate buildings have been carefully renovated over time and retain much of their original character. Fifteen comfortable bedrooms are housed within a reconstructed stone lodge and the outdoor swimming pool has views of the volcano Etna.
As with many agriturismos, the meals here are one of the star attractions. A typical agriturismo produces most of what arrives on the table and the Gigliotto estate is no exception. Come prepared to gain at least a couple of kilos as you dine on speciality cheeses, meats, olives, homemade pastas and more all washed down with the estate's very own wine.
Good For Italy
The Gigliotto estate was bought by the Savocas, a local family from Piazza Armerina 15 years before they finally opened its doors in 2000. During that time the family carried out careful and detailed renovations on the ancient farmhouse.
Today, the original structure of the building remains intact and the traditional features have been lovingly brought back to life. Ancient arches and old wooden beams have been preserved wherever possible and the original walls still stand. Traditional techniques and local artisans were used in the process and the result is a beautiful farmhouse filled with character and charm.
HighsThe food: The local produce is simply divine and meals here can last for hours; no sooner have you finished breakfast then it's time for a long, boozy lunch! The estate: Not only is the setting picture perfect but the farmhouse itself is filled with history and character. The Villa Romana del Casale: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest and most complex collection of late Roman mosaics in the world. |
LowsThe Summer Heat: It gets very hot here in the middle of Summer
|
Rooms
There are 15 charming rooms in a reconstructed stone lodge. All come with ensuite bathroom, traditional Sicilian furniture including wrought iron beds and terracotta floors. Light and airy these larger-than-average bedrooms enjoy central heating for the winter and remain cool in the summer, many have great views of the surrounding countryside.
Food
A typical agriturismo produces most of what arrives on the table: meat, cheese, olives, fresh fruit and vegetables, wine and pasta, and the Agriturismo Gigliotto is no exception.
The food is hearty and plentiful, and flavoured with the agriturismo's very own olive oil. Expect typical Sicilian dishes including omelettes, homemade pasta, game, roast meats and pate all made on site. The excellent food is accompanied by the excellent wine homemade with the grapes of black Avola cultivated in biological vineyards and collected in the traditional manner
Features & Facilities
- Swimming Pool
- Riding, guided lessons, excursions and walks
- Wine Tasting
- Restaurant
- Meeting and conference rooms
- One bedroom is accessible to wheelchair users
There is a swimming pool here and the owners can help to arrange other activities including horse riding, guided excursions and walks. The agriturismo also hosts wine and olive oil tastings and a number of 'agricultural activities' where guests can help with the grape, olive, prickly pear and grain harvest and collection.
Local Info & Activities
The area surrounding Piazza Armerina was once known as the "granary of Rome" but these days it's most famous for its Roman mosaics in the Villa Romana del Casale. Just 5km from town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest and most complex collection of late Roman mosaics in the world. Most well-known is the Room of the Ten Girls which is a Roman mosaic featuring a girl in a bikini.
Within Piazza Armerina itself is an enormous Cathedral which was built in the 17th-18th century over a pre-existing church and there is also a beautiful medieval quarter that houses an impressive duomo. About 20 minutes' drive away is the lovely hill-top town of Caltagirone and Enna, the provincial capital, offers stunning views over the centre of Sicily.
Sustainability
The Gigliotto estate was bought by the Savocas, a local family from Piazza Armerina 15 years before they finally opened its doors in 2000. During that time the family carried out careful and detailed renovations on the ancient farmhouse.
Today, the original structure of the building remains intact and the traditional features have been lovingly brought back to life. Ancient arches and old wooden beams have been preserved wherever possible and the original walls still stand. Traditional techniques and local artisans were used in the process and the result is a beautiful farmhouse filled with character and charm.
Getting There
The Agriturismo Gigliotto is 10km outside of Piazza Armerina.
There are daily flights from Rome to Catania, Sicily. There is also a train service from Rome that follows the Amalfi coast before crossing by ferry to the island.
Sicily can also be reached by Ferry from Naples. Ferries depart daily at 8pm from Naples arriving in Palermo at 6.30am the following morning. In the summer months there are extra ferry services on Saturday departing at 9.30am and 10.30pm.
The agriturismo is located 170km from Palermo and 100km from the airport at Catania. A hire car will be the best option for getting around.
Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.
Rates & Bookings
All prices are in EURO (€) per room per night and are based on two people sharing including breakfast.
Rooms are priced between 80 Euro and 120 Euro per double per night depending on the season .
booking & cancellation policy
A 10% non-refundable deposit secures the booking. The balance is payable directly to the hotel one month prior to arrival.
Cancellations one month to a week before arrival are charged one nights accommodation. Cancellations less than one week before arrival forfeit afhl the booking amount.
Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.