CHLOE MAGAZINE
twenty-five
YEARS HAVE GONE BY SINCE
RELAIS
LA
Suvera’s
first opening in 1990. Until then it was the private country
residence of the owners, the Marquis Ricci, which had employed
years in restoring the Papal Villa and the buildings and gardens
surrounding it, with an infinite respect for the traces of history
and a love for beauty which everyone instinctively feels arriving
at La Suvera and which makes it until today a truly inimitable
place.
The character and intimacy of the house have remained
unspoiled through all these years, combining ancient splendor
with modern comforts and an attentive staff providing
impeccable service.
The Ricci family, together with the staff of Relais La Suvera,
is proud to celebrate this Silver Anniversary, feeling to have
accomplished the dream to turn history and culture in
something to live in and to share with everyone and hoping to
have succeeded in the effort to always improve during 25 years!
The origins of La Suvera date back to the Middle Ages, when the
building was a castle owned by the Lordship of Siena, part of
the Feud of the legendary Countess Ava Matilde dé Franzosi, a
relative of the King of France Clovis. It is likely therefore that the
ancient name La Suvera derives precisely from the French word
“ Souveraine”.
In the sixteenth century, La Suvera was donated to Pope Julius II
by the lordship of Siena, in hope to gain his favours.
This Renaissance Pope, a skilled politician and warrior, was
also known as a patron of artists, such as Raphael,
Michelangelo and Bramante, who, among other things, were
commissioned for the construction of the Vatican Halls,
the Sixtine Chapel and the project for the new basilica of St.
Peter. Julius II also played an important role in La Suvera’s
history and design by entrusting to the brilliant architect
Baldassarre Peruzzi the transformation of the severe
medieval castle into a Renaissance Villa.
From Julius II La Suvera went to his descendants and then,
through marriages, inheritances and acquisitions, to the
current owners, the family of the Marquis Ricci.
The Marquis Giuseppe Ricci Paracciani and his wife, Princess
Eleonora Massimo, have made of their home a stunning
country relais, where guests can expect an authentic cultural
experience. The history of this Renaissance villa has been
blended with the owner’s family illustrious ancestors, who’s
furnishings adorn the museum at the first floor of the
Papal Villa and the historic rooms and suites.
Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence and 7 Centuries of History!