CASTELLO DI RESCHIO
LOCATION
Lisciano Niccone, Umbria, Italy
ARCHITECTURE
Benedikt Bolza and the Reschio design team
YEAR
2021
STYLE
Historic castle restoration with contemporary Italian design
Set among the rolling hills of Umbria, Castello di Reschio is a medieval castle reimagined as a contemporary retreat. The wider estate is defined by its rural landscape, historic farm buildings and wooded hills, creating a setting where architecture and nature are closely intertwined.
The castle’s transformation is rooted in the preservation of its historic character. Stone walls, traditional proportions and the irregular geometry of the original structure remain central to the architectural experience. Rather than imposing a new identity, the restoration reveals the building’s history while adapting its spaces for contemporary use.
The interiors introduce a distinctive design language shaped by Benedikt Bolza. Carefully selected furniture, bespoke pieces and tactile materials create a layered atmosphere that contrasts with the solidity of the medieval architecture. The result is neither a conventional restoration nor a minimalist intervention, but a dialogue between historic structure and contemporary craftsmanship.
Across the estate, the architecture extends beyond the castle itself. Restored farmhouses and other historic buildings form part of a wider hospitality landscape, each connected to the surrounding countryside. Gardens, terraces and outdoor spaces frame views across the Umbrian hills, allowing the landscape to become an essential part of the experience.
The project’s appeal lies in its attention to detail and its sense of continuity. Historic materials and traditional construction methods are respected, while contemporary elements bring new life to the buildings. The architecture feels connected to its past without being frozen in time.
Castello di Reschio is an example of how a historic estate can be transformed into a contemporary destination while preserving its rural identity. Its architecture combines restoration, craftsmanship and landscape into a cohesive experience shaped by the character of Umbria.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Castello di Reschio demonstrates the potential of heritage restoration when guided by a strong design vision and respect for place. The project preserves the castle’s historic structure while introducing contemporary interiors and renewed uses for the wider estate. Its significance lies in the balance between architectural history, craftsmanship and the surrounding landscape — a sensitive transformation that gives a medieval complex a new life.