**CLOSING DATES NOVEMBER 1, 2008 TO APRIL 7, 2009**

The first details of the Badia di San Salvatore at Spugna date back to the early XI century. The area upon which the Badia rises belonged to the Bishop of Volterra, feudatory of the Holy Roman Empire, but was claimed by the powerful count Ildebrando of the Aldobrandeschi, who, in the meantime, had invaded it. 
Pope Giovanni XVIII himself was forced to intervene to calm the situation, which was settled in the year 1007, with the stipulation of an exchange deed between the two parties. 
The most important story for the complex of Badia di San Salvatore at Spugna, now that it has been renovated and converted into "Relais", concerns its most illustrious inhabitant, he who commissioned the building of the Renaissance Villa by the Convent, Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere. 
Before long the Cardinal was nominated Pope (Giulio II) and became famous, not only for his battling spirit, but also as a great patron of the arts and artists, including Raphael and Michelangelo. 
The Renaissance Villa that we admire today was built to his instructions upon the ancient Benedictine abbey. 
The della Rovere heraldic shields present in the building, embellished by the cardinal and papal insignia, bear witness to the refurbishment operation, which radically transforms the original, austere figure. 
We have called the new complex Relais della Rovere in memory of Pope Giulio II.

The first mention of the structure is in documents dating back to the early XI century, when the territory upon which it is built belonged to the Bishop of Volterra, feudatory of the Holy Roman Empire. Initially it was a prosperous abbey when, at the end of the 1400's Cardinal Giuliano Della Rovere, later to become Pope Giulio II, added a house for himself and subsequent bishops, which remained in possession of the church for over 400 years. 

Between 1998 and 1999 the entire complex was restored to its original splendor to create an elegant hotel. The restoration work, carried out by experts, has brought to the light elements and structures which had been long forgotten, recreating the building's original harmony. Made strong by the experience in the field of hospitality gained in other historical buildings in the province of Sienna, we opened the doors of Relais Della Rovere with the aim of providing a increasingly demanding clientele a level of service fitting of Italian hospitality. 

30 rooms, including luxury and junior suites, furnished in the style of the surroundings and equipped with all modern comforts, silent and elegant, with prestigious colors and furnishings. A large park with a pool, a cloister inside the main nucleus of Relais where you can have an aperitif in complete peace, a congress center with the most modern equipment and a restaurant created in the ancient halls invite our clientele to sample the flavors of Tuscany.
These are all guarantees that your stay will be enjoyable and unforgettable.

Rates for  2008 - 2009

Standard Double         229 E
Superior Double        262 E
Luxury Double          319 E

Junior Suite                 319 E
Suite                           438 E
Superior Suite            470 E

Rates include VAT, service and breakfast.

To see select photos of Relais Della Rovere, please click here.

To see a map of the area surrounding Relais Della Rovere, please click here.

For more information or to schedule your stay please contact:
Small & Elegant Hotels, International
9425 Whispering Sands
West Olive, MI 49460
TEL: (616) 844-6000 / FAX: (616) 844-6042
E-Mail: res@smallandeleganthotels.com

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