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The Borgo Bastia Creti

The Borgo Bastia Creti is located on the border of Umbria and Tuscany above Spedalicchio, a village in the municipality of Umbertide. From the Borgo which is 430 meters above sea level and situated 2.5 kilometers above the road that connects the Tiber Valley to Cortona and Tuoro you can enjoy spectacular views of the Niccone Valley and the surrounding countryside. The valley is tranquil and predominantly inhabited by farmers and hosts various kinds of produce including tobacco and wine.

The Borgo is conveniently placed to visit places of interest like Firenze and Siena which are within an hour and a half to the north and Perugia and Assisi within forty-five minutes to the south.

Local records show that the Borgo dates back to the 12th century. During this period, it was used as a monastery by the nuns of Saint Lucia. The chapel was dedicated to this saint.

In 1439 the Borgo was sacked by soldiers from a near by town, Citta di Castello. The soldiers were subordinates to the patriarch Vitellesco and were led by Captain Torello.

With the help and support of Pope Eugine IV and the then magistrate of Perugia, the Borgo was rebuilt as a fortress. The walls, in places, are more than two meters thick.

Over time it was changed into a self-sufficient hamlet where Umbrian families dwelled. There is to this day a small cemetery located nearby where the families were buried.

More than a decade ago The Borgo Bastia Creti was purchased by the late Carmen Wirth, then owner of the Hassler Hotel in Rome. Thanks to her foresight and investment it has been completely restored to a very high standard and in keeping with all its traditions. Bastia Creti is now under the ownership of Carmen Wirth's two sons Roberto and Peter Wirth. Roberto Wirth is the owner of The Hassler Hotel, Rome and Chairman of The International Wine Academy, Roma.