Hotel Certosa di Maggiano Review: Former Monastery in Siena

Hotel Certosa di Maggiano occupies a 14th-century Carthusian monastery set on seven acres of parkland about one mile southeast of Siena’s historic center. Today it operates as a 4-star boutique retreat where original cloisters, vaulted frescoes, and a functioning bell tower sit alongside a large outdoor pool, a grass tennis court, and individually decorated rooms. This review draws on the official property website, recent guest feedback, and editorial guides to help you decide whether this former monastic complex matches what you are looking for in a Tuscan stay.

Last checked: 2026-09-18

Property Type: Former Carthusian monastery · Star Rating: 5-star · Distance from Siena Center: 1.2 miles · Top Rating: 9.4/10 on Agoda

What is the history of Hotel Certosa di Maggiano?

The building that now houses the hotel was established between 1314 and 1316 as a Carthusian monastery, funded by Cardinal Riccardo Petroni, according to the Italian Wikipedia entry for the Certosa di Maggiano. The monks lived in individual cells arranged around a cloister, following a rule of silence and solitary prayer. That cloister—along with the original church, bell tower, and chapter house—remains part of the guest areas today (Wikipedia).

In 1782 the grand duke of Tuscany ordered the dissolution of the monastery. The monks’ cells were demolished, and most of the property was alienated, though the church was preserved. The complex then passed through private hands, serving agricultural and residential uses.

The 1969 restoration by Renzo Mongiardino

The decisive transformation came in 1969, when architect and set designer Renzo Mongiardino—known for his work on period films—led a comprehensive restoration that turned the former monastery into an elegant private home. Mongiardino’s approach preserved the historic fabric (frescoes, vaults, fireplaces) while introducing bold decorative elements such as patterned wallpapers, colorful tiles, and eclectic furnishings (Wikipedia).

“A 14th-century Carthusian monastery on the outskirts of Siena, Certosa di Maggiano has had an interesting life.”

— MICHELIN Guide

During the 1970s, the property served as the home of artist Anna Ricordati, who hosted Italian film figures such as Monica Vitti and Alberto Sordi within the cloister and interiors (MICHELIN Guide). The conversion into a luxury hotel happened in the late 1970s, and Five Star Alliance describes it as among the first Italian hotels to join the Relais & Châteaux association.

Is Certosa di Maggiano open to the public?

Yes—but access depends on why you are coming. Overnight guests have full run of the property, including the cloister, gardens, pool, and tennis court. Day visitors can access the on-site restaurant Il Canto for lunch or dinner without booking a room. The restaurant is a separate destination; Five Star Alliance notes that Il Canto was cited around 2010 among the world’s 50 best restaurants, though current rankings should be checked against up-to-date culinary lists.

Wedding events and private celebrations are also held at the property, based on related search terms associated with the hotel. The chapel and cloister serve as backdrops for ceremonies, and the garden can accommodate receptions. Non-guests attending events or dining at Il Canto can experience the historic interiors without staying overnight.

The implication: If you are in Siena for the day and want to see a former monastery interior over a meal, the hotel is open to you. If you simply want to wander the grounds without eating or attending an event, it is best to call ahead to confirm availability.

Can you stay overnight at Certosa di Maggiano?

Yes, and that is the primary function of the property today. The hotel offers roughly 18 rooms and suites, each individually decorated with bold color schemes and 1970s-inspired patterns set against original monastic features such as frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and antique fireplaces (Alberghi.it).

Amenities include:
– Outdoor swimming pool with solarium and a fenced shallow children’s section
– Private grass tennis court
– Electric bike rental
– Free Wi-Fi throughout
– Free on-site parking
– Bar and library lounge
– Pet-friendly policy

The hotel is about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from Piazza del Campo, which is a 15–20 minute walk downhill into the city or a short taxi ride. TripExpert describes the setting as “a rural setting 1 km southeast of the centre” with “large, elegant rooms surrounding the central cloister, beneath the (still functioning) bell tower.”

Check-out is at 11:00 AM according to Agoda listings. The property has no elevator; some ground-floor rooms are described as wheelchair accessible with adapted bathrooms and alarm bells (Alberghi.it).

What are some hotels near Siena that have pools?

Certosa di Maggiano is one of the better-known Siena hotels with a substantial outdoor pool. Multiple TripAdvisor reviews reference a “lovely big swimming pool” with ample sunbeds and a quiet garden setting. The pool area is separate from the main cloister, so guests who want to swim without disturbing the historic silence can do so.

Other Siena-area hotels with pools exist—many of the agriturismo properties just outside the city walls offer seasonal pools—but the inputs for this review do not contain specific names, star ratings, or distance figures for those alternatives. If a pool is your main criterion, Certosa di Maggiano provides a well-reviewed option within walking distance of the historic center, which is unusual for a hotel with a full-size pool.

The trade-off: Hotels in the center rarely have pools because of space constraints; countryside hotels with pools often require a car. Certosa di Maggiano sits in between: walkable to the city but with enough land for a pool, tennis court, and private gardens.

What is the best hotel in Siena, Italy?

The definition of “best” depends on what you value most. For factors such as aggregate guest satisfaction, Certosa di Maggiano scores exceptionally high: 9.4 / 10 on Agoda, 9.6 / 10 on Icastelli.net based on over 1,000 reviews. Those scores are among the highest for any Siena hotel, driven by praise for the setting, service, and design.

What sets Certosa di Maggiano apart from high-rated competitors is its physical history. While many luxury hotels in Siena occupy former Renaissance palazzi, this one retains the full footprint of a Carthusian monastery: cloister, chapel, bell tower, and chapter house are integrated into the guest experience. The MICHELIN Guide highlights the “eclectic and decorative” interior design, describing a deliberate contrast between medieval stonework and 1970s decorative patterns.

The bottom line: For travelers who prioritize atmosphere, design distinctiveness, and a quiet garden setting within walking distance of Siena’s center, Certosa di Maggiano makes a strong case. For those who prefer being directly on Piazza del Campo with no need for a short walk or drive, a centrally located hotel would be a better fit.