The history of our Umbria luxury hotel

Relais San Clemente, Emblems Collections

A luxury spa hotel in the heart of Umbria

A rich story of sacred spaces, the Umbrian way of life and the transformation of an ancient site

The 5 hectares of land on which Relais San Clemente sits have witnessed the rise, fall and rebirth of settlements, empires and dynasties. From the Umbri’s hilltop fortresses and fertile fields to the Romans, Etruscans and Lombards, each left its mark. Umbria later passed to the Papal States, where popes built churches including Chiesa di San Clemente (1045).

The 14th century saw the annexation of a Benedictine convent (Relais San Clemente’s signature restaurant is located in this historical building). The Simonetti family purchased the estate in 1875 and in 1990, Relais San Clemente welcomed its first guests as a luxury hotel. In 2026, this exceptional property reopened as part of the Emblems Collection.

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The heart, soul and seasons of Umbria

A heritage of agricultural, urban and spiritual growth

Umbria, the “green heart of Italy”, celebrates its forests, valleys and rolling hills. It is known for exceptional wines like Orvieto Classico and Sagrantino di Montefalco, and some of the world’s finest olive oil. Fields and orchards are under the stewardship of small-scale growers, all dedicated to preserving their land’s legacy, while forests hide Umbria’s prized black and white truffles.

Umbrians are also mindful custodians of their heritage through festivals like Perugia 1416, with horseback events, flag throwing and Renaissance costumes. No visit to the region would be complete without seeing the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi. Saint Francis made Umbria a spiritual centre in the 1200s – and his birthplace an important pilgrimage site in the centuries to come.

The artists and artisans of Umbria

Upholding the traditions of fine craftsmanship, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century

In a land blessed with forests, it comes as no surprise that Umbria is renowned throughout Italy for its woodwork. For a thousand years, artisans have crafted furnishings, marquetry, instruments and icons, passing their traditions through generations.

Gubbio, 40 minutes north of Relais San Clemente, is the centre of these arts, home to the University of Carpenters and guilds for stonemasonry, blacksmithing, fresco painting and more. South lies Deruta, famed for its hand-painted ceramics, evolving from simple Roman-era designs to today’s vivid yellows, blues and reds. At the San Clemente estate, Benedictine monks once handwove white linen for altars.

During a stay at Relais San Clemente, you are surrounded by quality Umbrian craftsmanship – an homage to the artisans of ages past… and present.

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