Monastero San Silvestro

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at my share of “monastery hotels” in Italy, and honestly? Most of them are either trying too hard to be luxury resorts or they’re so austere you feel guilty ordering a second glass of wine. Monastero San Silvestro gets the balance just right – it actually feels like you’re staying in a beautifully restored monastery without the pretension or the uncomfortable beds.

The location in Salcotto is what sold me initially. You’re technically in Cortona’s territory, but you’re tucked away from the tourist crowds that descend on the main piazza every morning. I mean, you can still walk into town (though I’d recommend driving or taking a taxi if you’re not up for the uphill trek), but there’s something magical about being surrounded by olive groves and having that expansive view over the Val di Chiana. The morning light hitting those hills – honestly, it’s worth the slightly remote location. Plus, parking is actually manageable here, which anyone who’s tried to navigate Cortona’s medieval streets with a rental car will appreciate.

What really impressed me was how they’ve maintained the monastery’s character while making it genuinely comfortable. The rooms in the original cells have these thick stone walls that keep everything blissfully cool in summer, and the silence at night is profound – no traffic, just the occasional owl or rustle of wind through the cypress trees. The restaurant serves proper Tuscan food (not the tourist version), and the staff actually knows the local wine producers. I ended up buying a case from a vineyard just down the valley that they recommended. The pool area feels integrated into the landscape rather than just plunked down, and you’ll often spot locals from nearby farms taking their evening walks along the property’s edge – it’s that kind of place where you feel connected to the rhythm of rural Tuscany rather than isolated from it. Sure, you’re not going to have a concierge who can get you last-minute reservations at Rome’s hottest restaurant, but you will have people who know which morning market in Camucia has the best porchetta and when the truffle season actually starts (not just when the tourist menus start advertising it).

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $121. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $121. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $145. Apartment – Ground Floor with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $145. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $153. Maisonette with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $164. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• A great location for a peaceful stay. – Cihan from Turkey – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  A peaceful stay.close to Cortona but away from the crowd and noise and in the nature.very helpful staff.
  This is the location that we should be visiting the next time for sure.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Calm place tasty food – Wendy from United States – 30 May 2025 (8/10)

  It’s in the countryside
  Lots of lovely birds
  Big park for children play
  Well equipped rooms
  Christian was charming
  
  What could be improved: Bed needs updating

• A lovely place, for those looking for peace and quiet, very well kept and run. – Bdelevi from Portugal – 29 May 2025 (10/10)

  The property was very well kept, clean, pleasing to the eye and ears – it was quiet and lovely. Christian was very helpful and warm.
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast was okay but may be a little variety could be introduced. But there was nothing I didn't like.

• Magical place – Sebastian from Poland – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

  The place is amazing. I recommend it to anyone who is considering staying in the Cortona area. Huge apartments with a sense of history are equipped with everything you need. Beautiful garden and wonderful views all around. Very helpful and friendly staff.

• Heaven on Earth – Erika from Slovenia – 7 May 2025 (10/10)

  This place is magic! So beutiful we couldn't wait to come back at the end of the day. Great place to stay for visiting a lot of Tuscan gems like Cortona, Montepulciano, Monticchiello, Eremo "Le celle", Pienza and so much more. Very close are also Lago Trasimeno and Perugia.
  The apartment was very cosy, bed extra comfy, everything was so beautiful! Breakfast was also delicious. We couldn't reccomend this place enough and we will absolutely come back for sure.
  
  What could be improved: It was so beautiful and peaceful that we almost didn't want to go anywhere else.

• Calm and buitiful place. – Tatjana from Latvia – 19 April 2025 (9/10)

  The place is very nice. Old monastery buildings, renovated and suitable for the comfort stay, but still with the charm of history. The territory around is big, buitiful garden and horses. Big pool and places for the quite stay. Staff is very helphul and friendly. The breakfast is good. Wifi connection also is strong and good. Recommend.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Exceptional – Daniella from Canada – 29 November 2024 (10/10)

  The staff were so friendly and full of suggestions and recommendations. We were toured around the property. It was very easy to get in and out and we felt safe and secure. It was only a 10 min drive to Cortona. The accommodations are very rustic charming old Italian style – we loved it. Felt very authentic and we were comfortable.

• Exceptional – Jason from Australia – 16 November 2024 (10/10)

  This was an absolutely amazing place to stay in Cortona—spacious, beautiful, and full of character. The property, a former monastery, is simply stunning, with so much charm and history. Our apartment was enormous, and we instantly fell in love with it. We only wish we could have stayed longer to soak in more of its beauty and tranquility. The staff were wonderful—so friendly and accommodating. Having a washing machine was a huge bonus for us, as it was a great convenience halfway through our holiday. The grounds were lovely, and the horses added a unique and serene touch to the atmosphere. The location was also fantastic, with free on-site parking and easy access to both Camucia and Cortona. We appreciated being close to shops and enjoyed preparing meals in the large, well-equipped kitchen in our apartment. Overall, this was a fantastic place to stay, and we would love to return in the future! Highly recommended!

• Beautiful place – Gabriela from Romania – 15 November 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful location and fabulous grounds. Very close to Cortona. Super friendly staff that answered all questions we had.
  We loved our stay here.

• Lovely property within a short drive to facilities and old town – Adele from Australia – 1 November 2024 (8/10)

  Beautiful property with gorgeous setting. Very clean and comfortable with all the facilities you need for a quiet, remote stay. Very helpful host. Had a lovely time here.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities