the Podesta apartment

The Podesta is a one-bedroom apartment in the highest point of Panicale, a lively medieval hill top village located close to the south shores of the Lake Trasimeno. Its features include medieval walls and arches, a balcony with an endless view, original chestnut doors and a fireplace. Amenities include washing machine, satellite TV, a toilet and a bathroom. Even if it is not large, it will comfortably sleep two couples.

Amenities:

1 Double Bed|1 Double Bed Sofa|1 WC|1 Bathroom|Satellite TV| Radio| Washing Machine| Fireplace|Balcony Views

Short-term prices

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High Season: April 8th – October 15th, Christmas, New Years and Easter included.
Low Season: October 15th – March 31st (2007).

Long-term prices per month

The Podesta is the second property owned by Aldo and Daniela Gallo, the people running Panicale’s unofficial meeting hall, the bar. So many people kept on returning in their first property resulting in scarce availability, so they decided to restore another one to meet demands. Unlike his first property, this apartment is on the highest point in Panicale, in the very center of town. The reason we gave the apartment this name is that it is shares the Piazza with the 14th century Palazzo Del Podesta, the old seat of Panicale’s rulers.Its restoration was completed in April 2002, resulting in a one-bedroom apartment on two levels. It is not large, but due to its good planning and two bathrooms, it will sleep four people comfortably. It has cotto floors throughout, original wooden beams, and in some places, visible medieval brickwork.

Entrance is from the tiled Piazza, where no one would have anything against your placing a table and having dinner outside, enjoying the view of the Lake Trasimeno. To the right of the entrance is a door leading to the bedroom. It has a window overlooking the Piazza, and an original chestnut door gives way to a small toilet with a WC and basin. A double bed takes up large part of the room, with cupboards having been placed on walls and under the window. The floors are diagonally placed hand made cotto tiles.

Following the stairs, you reach the living room and kitchen area. The first thing that will struck you here are the original red brick arches and beams, cleaned and preserved during the restoration process. The room is furnished with a double sofa bed. There is a built in fireplace in a corner, which during the summer can be converted to an air conditioner! From the other corner, you access a small balcony that will allow you to enjoy a marvellous view over rooftops of Panicale, with the Nestore Valley in the background. The balcony is not large, but it was expanded to comfortably sit three people around a dinner table. The TV, connected to a satellite dish, is located by the sofa.

On the other end of the living room is the kitchen area. Itswindow overlooks the piazza, and leaning out, you get a glimpse of the Lake Trasimeno. The kitchen is fully equipped with granite worktops, a 4 hub gas stove, oven, fridge/freezer and integrated washing machine. No expenses were spared. The dining table will sit four people. From this part of the room, you have access to another bathroom equipped with a shower.

If you are paranoid over your safety, this apartment should be your choice. The town of Panicale is surrounded by defence walls forming the shape of an oval. All the narrow alleys in the town follow the same oval shape, and in the middle ages served as further defence lines once the town walls had fallen to the stubborn and unwelcome visitors… Usually the Vatican army or Soldiers from Florence, or any of the other towns in the area as Panicale was at war with almost everyone in the middle ages. As the apartment is located on the top of the hill behind the last defence lines, next to the building which under all circumstances must not fall in enemy hands, it will hopefully quench your fears of invasions, and alongside the amenities and comforts it provides give you a good night’s sleep. Aldo and Daniela did an excellent job when restoring and furnishing this property, and are entitled to be proud of it. Come see for yourselves!