Domus Ghibellinae – Il Cantico

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Domus Ghibellinae? The name sounds impossibly fancy, but once you find it tucked away on vicolo del loreto – and I mean really tucked away, this is essentially a narrow alley that most tourists walk right past – it feels more like staying at your well-traveled Italian aunt’s beautifully restored medieval home. The whole “Il Cantico” part starts making sense when you realize you’re literally sleeping within ancient stone walls that have been watching over Cortona for centuries.

I’ll be honest, finding the place the first time was a bit of an adventure. Vicolo del loreto is one of those impossibly narrow Tuscan streets where you’re pretty sure two people can’t walk side by side, let alone that a car ever made it through (spoiler: they didn’t, so don’t even think about driving here). But that’s actually what makes it special – you’re staying in the real Cortona, not some tourist strip. The morning sounds are church bells and old Italian men having animated conversations in the piazza, not tour buses rumbling by. The property itself is this gorgeous mix of preserved medieval architecture and thoughtful modern touches that don’t feel forced. I mean, they’ve managed to keep the original stone walls and beamed ceilings while somehow fitting in beautiful bathrooms and proper heating – no small feat in a building this old.

What really struck me was how the staff seemed to genuinely know their guests’ names by day two, and not in that scripted hotel way. They’ll actually remember that you mentioned wanting to catch sunset at Santa Maria delle Grazie and remind you about the timing. The rooms have this warm, lived-in elegance – antique furniture that looks like it belongs rather than pieces picked from a catalog, and windows that frame those postcard views of the Val di Chiana that honestly never get old. The location means you’re a three-minute walk from Piazza della Repubblica (where the real morning coffee action happens), and you can reach the main tourist spots without breaking a sweat, but you’re far enough from Via Nazionale that you won’t hear every tour group that passes through. That 9.6 rating? Yeah, I get it. This isn’t the kind of place that tries to wow you with flashy amenities – it wins you over with character, attention to detail, and that rare feeling that you’ve discovered something special rather than just booked another hotel room.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $129. One-Bedroom Apartment (2 Adults) with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $145. One-Bedroom Apartment (3 Adults) with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Location 10/10, Home 10/10 & Owner 10/10. – Jade from Australia – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  We had an amazing stay in this beautiful home in Cortona. The owner was so lovely & the properly has everything you need for a Tuscan getaway. We felt right at home and wish we had booked for more than 2 nights. Clean property with comfy bed and a lovely lounge room to relax. Huge car park just down from the accommodation which made it handy with our bags. You can’t go wrong staying here. We absolutely loved it, and only a few minutes walk to the main town square with all the shops and restaurants. A definite must stay if you’re in Cortona.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Superb – Jaqueline from United Kingdom – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very spacious, superbly comfortable and clean and location is fantastic.
  
  What could be improved: Parking can be tricky to find.

• Excellent stay in Cortona – Geoffrey from South Africa – 5 October 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious quiet historic apartment. Just one set of stairs. Good views from living area.
  
  What could be improved: Only snag was no running water when we arrived. However Pamela reacted immediately and a plumber came and fixed things, all in under half an hour.

• Absolutely loved our stay here – Jo from Australia – 28 September 2024 (10/10)

  Location was excellent and the apartment was very comfortable and spacious
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike

• Best apartment in Cortona – Paul from Australia – 18 September 2024 (10/10)

  Location was great, 5 minutes walk to piazza. Best apartment ever, very spacious, great sized shower, great facilities. Very easy to communicate with the host. Good and close car parking.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Wojciech from Poland – 15 September 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful, stylish, cosy appt, in old Italian building, beautifully renovated. Pleasure to stay in such a nice place. Pamela, the host, very helpful.

• Our stay was wonderful, and we were grateful for the solid comfort the property provided. – Robert from United States – 20 May 2023 (10/10)

  We loved everything about the property. It was exceptionally clean, comfortable, well-maintained & equipped, and private. Our host, Pamala, went out of her way to make everything easier and helped us with problems caused by our limited understanding of the Italian language.
  
  What could be improved: The property was completely satisfactory, and we would definitely book it again. Not enough time to enjoy and see all there was to see and explore.

• well-equipped apartment in lively, well-placed small town – free public parking a challenge! – Rachel from Italy – 17 August 2022 (9/10)

  good location, very well-equipped miniapartment, friendly and helpful host

• A decorative gem… – Kendra from Germany – 29 July 2022 (10/10)

  The apartment was just what we expected. It was beautifully decorated. We were comfortable despite the heat outside. Our host, Pamela, was always quick to answer all of my questions. I would recommend this place.

• Superb – Samantha from Switzerland – 18 July 2022 (9/10)

  Pamela was really welcoming, she made sure everything was available in the house for the time of my stay. The location is wonderful with a beautiful view on the valley. I definitely recommend it!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities