Amidst the backdrop of Bologna’s rolling hills, agriculture, wellness, exceptional cuisine, hospitality and emotional experiences unite to express the Heritage of Italian Lifestyle at Palazzo di Varignana...but this is much more than a palazzo.
BY LF ITALY
October, 2024
Emilia-Romagna, renowned as the heartbeat of Italy's high-octane automotive industry with iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, and celebrated as the birthplace of slow food treasures such as Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar, extends its legacy beyond to encompass the artistry of winemaking and Extra Virgin Olive Oil production.
Nestled within the picturesque embrace of Bologna's undulating hills, Palazzo di Varignana epitomizes a lifestyle where the pursuit of living well transcends mere ideology to become a living, breathing ethos.
Here, the convergence of agriculture, wellness, authentic culinary delights, lavish hospitality, and transformative experiences harmonize to vividly showcase the rich tapestry of Italian heritage— spanning from the mastery of oil to wine, from the essence of hospitality to the pinnacle of fine dining—in a legacy of excellence that was born a mere decade ago.
Palazzo di Varignana is not just a vacation destination. It is a sanctuary that immerses you in the art of 'buon vivere,' (living well). Here, amidst the serene surroundings,you cultivate a sense of well-being, relishing in delectable cuisine and discovering inner peace.
To stay at Palazzo di Varignana is to experience a multi-sensorial journey into a heritage that yearns to resonate deeply within us.
In the early 2010s, Carlo Gherardi, a visionary businessman from Bologna, initiated a bold project to create an eco-friendly com- plex near his hometown. The result is Palazzo di Varignana, a sprawling agritourism destination set in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.
This impressive development has revitalized an area that was previously a patchwork of modest farms and dilapidated structures. What began as a project to restore Palazzo Bentivoglio evolved into a monumental agro-resort that revitalized Varignana and transformed the perception of olive oil in Emilia Romagna.
Gherardi's serendipitous discovery of ancient olive trees hidden behind a garden wall sparked a revelation about the region's history and agricultural heritage, inspiring him to revive them and follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans who once cultivated the land over two millennia ago.
Today, Palazzo di Varignana offers travelers an environmentally friendly stay in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The resort spans 600 hec- tares of reclaimed rural land, boasting:
- The largest olive grove in the entire region, with 170,000 olive trees
- More than 125 acres of vineyards
- Orchards and a rare saffron crop
- Six meticulously restored villas
- 150 rooms, apartments, and suites
THE ROOMS AND SUITES at Palazzo di Varignana seamlessly blend nature with elegance, featuring spacious areas adorned with exquisite handcrafted materials. The accommodations offer intimate and invit- ing spaces, showcasing a fusion of aesthetics, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. The six restored villas are spread across the property, giving visitors the option of almost total privacy or the opportunity to be adja- cent to the main resort area.
VARSANA Spa at Palazzo Varignana Resort redefines wellness, blending traditional spa offerings with innovative health treatments. This 3,700-square-meter facility features indoor and outdoor pools, and therapies using local ingredients like Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Beyond relaxation, it offers activities such as guided tours, cooking classes, yoga, and hiking, immersing guests in the region’s heritage. Located in Italy’s green heart, this exclusive resort revolutionizes the wellness industry, creating a space where body and mind rejuvenate through a novel approach to beauty and health.
Palazzo di Varignana’s product line features award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Romagna DOC wine, and various artisanal products. Guests can enjoy wine and olive oil tastings, with the latter uniquely paired with gelato. The resort’s Cru Persia olive oil has won the prestigious “Trois Olives” award from Les Olivalies in France.
The estate boasts a state-of-the-art 1,100-square-meter cellar designed with semi-underground architecture, using local materials like olive wood and red bricks. The tasting room overlooks a vineyard cultivating both native varietals (Sangiovese, Albana, Famoso, Malbo Gentile, Pignoletto) and international classics (Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay). Cutting-edge production techniques preserve the wines’ authenticity and unique flavors.
At Palazzo di Varignana, history, tradition, and innovation intertwine. This stunning Italian retreat boasts an array of unique dining options, each promising to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Il Grifone Ristorante, housed within the historic Palazzo Bentivoglio, elevates fine dining to new heights as Head Chef Francesco Manograsso and Pastry Chef Caterina Malaguti craft sophisticated masterpieces from locally sourced ingredients.
Manograsso’s philosophy is that of “l’Arte di Guardarsi Intorno,” (the art of looking around one’s immediate locally-grown environment for culinary inspiration. The pastry selection does not dis- appoint thanks to Caterina Malaguti, who follows the chef ’s plant-based inspiration. The classic pairings of sommelier and maître Elio D’Ambrosio accompany the dishes to perfection.
For a truly enchanting and exclusive experience, dine aboard Treno Reale - Carrozza Ristorante, a meticulously restored 1921 vintage coach. Aurevo Restaurant pays homage to the region’s extra virgin olive oil, focusing on contemporary and sustainable cuisine, while Trattoria Le Marzoline cel- ebrates the area’s culinary heritage with simple yet delectable traditional dishes. With such diverse dining options, Palazzo di Varignana is a food lover’s paradise, offering a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories.
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