Historic rental house in Umbria Italy
exceptional accommodation
at bargain prices
2 br, 2 ba, sleeps 4
Porta San Donato, built in 1242, is under new ownership and was offered for the first time in 2009 as a vacation rental. Be one of the first to stay in this charming and unique house, which has been newly renovated!
Porta San Donato, classified as an historic monument, is one of the original four gates that are honored every year in September in a large celebration called "The Games of the Gates." The town's population doubles at this time as people come to view the competitions, parades, colorful costumes, and overall fun.
According to local legend, when the gate Porta San Donato was originally built into the city wall in 1242, the arch was narrower. In 1292, Pope Nicholas IV decided to visit Gualdo Tadino. He would be entering through the arch at Porta San Donato, but it would be too narrow for his carriage. So the arch was widened to what it is today to accommodate the pope's carriage in 1292.
On the back side of the house you can see a faint square in the middle, to the right of the kitchen window. That is the papal coat of arms.
The gatehouse has survived for so many centuries due to its incredible strength. The walls in many places are over 3 feet of solid rock.
Outside the door to Porta San Donato, walk to local restaurants and shops frequented by the friendly locals.
Stroll through the historic lanes and alleys with archways extending across and window boxes and balconies sporting colorful flowers.
Visit the museums and stately churches with ornate interiors, and the serene La Rocchetta Park.
Yet just 15 minutes outside of town, you enter the beautiful Park of Monte Cucco, where you can hike or bike, go horseback riding or cross-country skiing, hang- or paraglide, explore subterranean caves, and much more.
View from bedroom window
A narrow lane (with limited traffic) runs under the house, which consists of two floors above street level.
The first floor of this cozy little house has a living room with wood-burning fireplace, comfortable seating, a view of the mountains, a modernized eat-in kitchen, and a bathroom with a hipbath.
The top floor has two double bedrooms and a bath with shower and bidet.
Be sure to check out all the photos on almost every page of this website!
