Donna Camilla Savelli

At the foot of the Gianicolo Hill, in the Trastevere neighborhood, the Donna Camilla Savelli is a former convent turned 4-star hotel where history, art, and luxury coalesce to offer a unique stay. Its distinctiveness even caught the eye of Woody Allen, who chose it as a location for his movie "To Rome With Love.” Originally the Monastery of Santa Maria dei Sette Dolori, this Baroque masterpiece, conceived by Francesco Borromini in 1642, once housed Augustinian nuns. Today, even as a hotel, it retains a sense of sacred serenity, especially since three nuns continue to live here.

The interiors delicately balance modern luxury with historical charm, carefully preserving the essence of Borromini's original vision. Guests are immersed in history, surrounded by 17th-century artworks and historic jewels like a Baroque tabernacle, an epigraph in ancient Greek, and the perfectly-preserved nuns' refectory, now serving as an enchanting event hall. And more treasure await beneath the hotel, where there is Roman cave dating back to the 1st century AD.

Outside, the hotel is equally enchanting, featuring a beautiful Italian-style garden complete with seating and small tables, and a lush citrus grove graced by an age-old olive tree and an exquisite 17th-century fountain. And up on the roof, the Savelli Terrace stands out for its postcard-worthy views of Rome’s eternal skyline, perfectly capturing the city's ageless beauty.

The hotel also excels in modern amenities, offering, among other things, convenient parking with charging stations for electric vehicles.

The culmination of a dream

The hotel is named after Camilla Savelli, who dreamed of a life dedicated to the church but was obliged to enter an arranged marriage for financial reasons. However, her husband, Pietro Farnese, tried to honor his wife's devout aspirations by providing her with the funds to build a convent and establish a religious order - the Augustinian Oblates of the Seven Sorrows, which still exist to this day. And to make this big dream a reality true, Camilla turned to the best architect in town, Francesco Borromini. 

The Renaissance menu

At the on-site restaurant Il Ferro e Il Fuoco, guests are not only treated to a delicious selection of seasonal dishes but also have the opportunity to try a special Renaissance menu. This experience has been designed by the Chef Emidio Gennaro Ferro, who reinterprets and modernizes the recipes prepared by Martino da Como for the Sforza family back in the 15th century. 

The Savelli Terrace

The hotel’s large panoramic terrace is a great spot for guests to gather after a day of exploration, engaging in tranquil conversations while playing a delightful game of spotting prominent city landmarks amidst the captivating skyline that unfolds before them. Plus, witnessing the sunset from this vantage point is an enchanting experience.

Matching the hotel's distinctive setting, Donna Camilla Savelli presents a truly unique culinary experience. Both guests and non-guests are welcome at Il Ferro e Il Fuoco, where menus are strictly seasonal and include a very special Renaissance Tasting Experience. With it, diners embark on a journey back in time, savoring traditional Renaissance dishes with a modern twist, accompanied by an exquisite selection of beverages, including the hypoclas, a liquor inspired by an old recipe from Isabella de’ Medici Orsini.

Before dinner, guests can try The Box experience, an innovative take on classic aperitif which pairs top-quality wines with a box filled with delicious small bites prepared by the Chef using the finest local ingredients. And for breakfast, there's a generous selection of both sweet and savory options, including Roman favorites like maritozzo, pancristiano, and wine donuts.

Cherished by tourists and locals alike, Trastevere is one of the best places to stay in Rome. Located across the Tiber River from the city’s historical core, this neighborhood buzzes with a lively, bohemian spirit. Its picturesque cobblestone alleys are lined with authentic trattorias, venerable buildings with laundry fluttering in the breeze, and lots of independent boutiques and unique shops that are a dream for any shopping aficionado. Trastevere is also an ideal spot for culinary exploration, with a rich selection of local fare, including superb aperitivo choices and traditional trattoria-style meals. This area is also especially known for its vibrant nightlife.