For nearly a thousand years, the Castle of Antognolla has stood majestically against the backdrop of an unending horizon of verdant, forested hills. This historic landmark, once home to a Benedictine monastery, has witnessed bloody battles, safeguarded the remains of a patron saint, and served as the seat of esteemed noble families. Now, this monumental structure is undergoing a transformation to herald a new, peaceful chapter, as developers in Umbria, Italy's often-overlooked "green heart," envision it becoming Europe's premier luxury resort.

Slated for completion in late 2026, Six Senses Antognolla will feature an initial 71-room hotel (with 16 suites nestled within the ancient castle walls), a sprawling 3,000-square-meter wellness center, and 17 custom residences, all set amidst a tapestry of olive groves, vineyards, and a sea of cypress trees across the estate's 560 hectares. Guests will be treated to panoramic views of the estate's crowning glory, an 18-hole golf course designed to rival Spain and Portugal's dominance in top golf destinations. The 6,884-yard course, a creation of renowned designer Robert Trent Jones Jr., first welcomed players in 1997, and significant renovations in 2018 have kept it in pristine condition, a mere moment in time compared to the castle that looms over its 18th hole.

Recent discoveries within the castle's crypt have unveiled ancient paintings dating back at least a millennium, shedding new light on the 6th-century Benedictine monastery that the fortress encircled some six centuries later. Once the final resting place of Saint Herculanus, the patron saint of Perugia, the Umbrian capital, the castle was at the center of a protracted power struggle among Italy's noble families. After being granted to Ruggero di Antognolla by Pope Boniface IX in 1399, the castle was seized by the Baglioni family, only to be reclaimed by the Antognollas in a fierce battle in the early 16th century. In 1628, the estate was purchased by nobleman Cornelio Oddi, who had aspirations to turn it into a holiday retreat. Despite numerous changes in ownership, including a period under the Agnelli family—owners of Italian icons Fiat and Juventus—the current developments are ensuring that Oddi's vision endures. Despite its ambitious plans, Antognolla has faced challenges in attracting an international audience, given its remote location. Although it was honored as Italy's best golf course at the World Golf Awards in both 2020 and 2022, the site's seclusion has made it difficult to draw in golf enthusiasts from abroad. The Marco Simone Golf Club, last year's Ryder Cup venue and one of the few championship courses in the vicinity, is still a two-hour drive away in Rome.

However, César Burguière, the director of golf at Antognolla, believes that the successful hosting of the biennial competition is helping to establish the region as a must-visit destination. "We are not a golf destination... [but] many people who come are not necessarily here to play golf," he explained. "They're coming to Italy and then they discover the excellent courses and decide to play golf. Italy may not be perceived as a golf destination like Spain or Portugal, but this perception is gradually changing." The region's abundance of visual, cultural, and culinary delights may be the key to the future success of the golf course and resort.

Umbria is a paradise for a variety of native and adopted grape varieties, making it an ideal location for wine production. Antognolla's vineyards are managed by oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, and the merlot produced on-site will be served following the resort's opening. Truffle hunting in the surrounding forests is a popular activity, and guests can savor the results at the course's Ristorante La Boiola, which offers a menu that captures the essence of local rustic flavors, from black truffle to pork cheek. The resort will also feature its own organic farm and an Earth Lab that will conduct workshops on wine fermentation, while an Experience Centre will provide cooking classes. "If you appreciate gastronomy and culture, this is definitely a place you will truly enjoy," added Burguière. Venturing beyond the estate into the forests offers opportunities to spot deer, wild boar, and even wolves. Exploring further into Umbria reveals medieval towns like Gubbio, the stunning Lake Piediluco, and the Marmore Falls, the tallest man-made waterfall in Europe at 165 meters, created by the Romans in 271 BC. "The wildlife and nature in Umbria are truly remarkable," Burguière said. "No matter where you go, it's beautiful."