Ruggero is a hotel manager obsessed with visits from inspectors. He rushes around trying to keep everything under control, sweating at the arrival of every guest, fearing they might be the dreaded mystery guest who will judge the hotel. Luckily, Ruggero is a fictional character, the protagonist of a musical staged annually by the Castello di Reschio company, with new scripts, sets, and costumes each year. This playful parody contrasts with the high-level hospitality that the Umbrian castle represents, having been transformed over ten years into a top five-star hotel with stunning suites, lounges, and a spa in its underground chambers.

The story of Reschio began in 1984 when Count Antonio Bolza purchased a small church in Lisciano Niccone, near Perugia. After losing lands in Hungary during World War II, he dreamed of restoring a farm. Over time, he acquired 1500 hectares of land, about fifty farmhouses, and a 12th-century castle on the border with Tuscany. The count’s son, Benedikt, an architect, and his wife, Donna Nencia Corsini, lived in part of the castle with their children. To entertain their kids, they invented theater games, staging shows for friends and family. Meanwhile, the transformation of the castle into a luxury hotel began, blending centuries-old charm with modern amenities.

One unique feature is the castle’s spa, tucked in the basement without the typical spa clichés. With intimate rooms and a fireplace, guests enjoy massages accompanied by music from the Hilliard Ensemble. Reschio offers more than wellness; it’s a place of peace, surrounded by regenerated forests and uninterrupted greenery. Even the light plays a part, entering through windows in Caravaggio-like contrasts. The Bolza-Corsini family also hosts festive events, such as a Christmas-to-New-Year celebration, big bands, and themed parties.

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*this article was first published on il Sole24Ore