Our story

Since 1521, when Bartolomeo de Cioli built the first room - now our reception - the Cioli family has never left Rapale, weaving their path with some of the most illustrious names of the past: Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo.

In 2003 Fortunato Cioli and his wife Gisella, who still live in the villa at the heart of the property, opened Borgo Rapale as an agriturismo. The old blacksmith’s, baker’s and other village workshops have been reborn as rustic apartments of stone and wood, each lovingly named after a grandchild.

Family-run to this day, Borgo Rapale invites you to step into a place where every stone holds a story: now Luca, the youngest son of Fortunato, keeps this legacy alive, welcoming guests and sharing tales of the villa and the nearby castle.

Where we are

On a hilltop in the heart of Tuscany, every road leads somewhere extraordinary: Siena is 30 minutes to the West, Cortona 45 minutes to the East, Florence one hour to the North.

When the city crowds have tired you, you can return here, 500 m (1,600 ft) above sea level, to a tiny, time-forgotten medieval village of no more than a dozen centenarians, where cool breezes and golden light make the Tuscan sun feel just right and the authentic Dolce Vita awaits you.

Borgo Rapale is in the hub of the Chianti region, where vineyards and family wineries open their doors for intimate tastings. Right near Borgo Rapale, in the countryside that raises the finest bistecca alla Fiorentina, more than ten restaurants are within a 10 minute drive, serving authentic, non-touristic flavours passed down through generations. The newly renovated Rapolano natural hot springs, with beauty treatments and thermal pools, are just 20 minutes away.

Culture, food and tranquillity: this is Borgo Rapale in a nutshell.

Our promise

In 2003, we opened as an agriturismo, not to modernise, but to let its ancient soul speak. By reviving a small borgo, symbol of Italy’s cultural heart, we support traditions often overlooked. In welcoming travellers seeking true authenticity, all together we keep this timeless village alive.

Free from tourist clichés and surrounded by silence, you forget your troubles, appreciate the small things and wake up happier, with olive trees and tall cypresses framing the view. We believe every stay becomes part of a deep-rooted story still in the making and that each guest leaves with a heart full of joy, enriched by the tales of Rapale, helping to keep its legend alive.

Our story

Where we are

Our promise

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