A Fifteenth Century castle guesthouse, once fallen ruin but since restored by John Paul Getty, La Posta Vecchia unites its wonderfully historic past with the modern day in this remarkable hotel.

The story goes that in 1640 the Prince built a guesthouse for his castle at Palo and since the advent of the First World War the building fell into disrepair until, in 1960, Jean Paul Getty convinced Prince Ladislao Odescalchi to sell him what had become the ruins of La Posta Vecchia. Five years of renovations later and restored to its former glory, it became Getty’s Italian residence until 1990 when La Posta Vecchia underwent the transformation into a luxury hotel. All the furnishings have remained unchanged since Getty’s day and the fifteen acres of beautiful gardens are immaculately kept, lending not only its luxurious allure but historical significance as well.

Thanks to the collaboration between Getty and the art critic Federico Zeri, each of the suites and Rooms has its own distinct style. All the Rooms afford dazzling views of the Tyrrenean Sea or over the surrounding gardens. Decorated in the classic style, they are enriched with splendid antiques and offer the luxury of a previous era, whilst providing every modern day convenience. The Getty Suite is completely unchanged since 1975; its huge seventeenth century armoire and wonderful Carrara marble bathroom are marvellous creations, only equalled by The Medici Suite its impressively carved 18th century bed and a bathtub in pink marble with twin staircases!

The Eternal City is only a stone’s throw away and within forty minutes’ one can be enjoying a cappucino in the Piazza Navona, overlooking Bernini’s masterpiece, the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Transport, guides, itineraries and restaurants can all be organised by the hotel as can visits to Tarquinia and Cerveteri, both important Etruscan centres - Tarquinia’s Necropolis is the best preserved and most impressive.

Impressive too, for those bent more on relaxation, is the indoor pool, set around with its large floor to ceiling windows, giving onto the surrounding terrace and lovely views of the azure sea. The Cesar Restaurant, looking out over the water, serves inspired Mediterranean cuisine (much of Chef’s produce comes from his organic vegetable garden) and after sunset, the pianist accompanies a harpist as the evening passes gently by. “A serene and heavenly home” - Jean Paul Getty.

The Roman Museum
An archaeological museum containing many interesting Roman relics can be found on the premises. Palo, and its surrounding coastline became popular among the affluent Romans of ancient times who found it an ideal place to spend the hot summer months. Giulius Cesar along with emperors Tiberius and Marcus Aurelius built sumptuous seaside villas there. In 1960, during the restoration, the remains of two ancient Roman villas were discovered beneath the foundations. Getty carefully restored the intricate mosaics and objects found and created a private museum. Today the Posta Vecchia Museum is continuing to restore Roman art with the help of the Gruppo Archeologico Ceritem and the Museum is open to hotel guests everyday.