By the time of its opening the owners had gathered together the most extraordinary collection of antiques which are now on display including vases from Versailles, ancient manuscripts, tapestries and paintings by Ingres. The 25 bedrooms are set around a peaceful courtyard shaded by chestnut trees. The most opulent rooms are in the main papal building and there are further rooms in a 16th century church and 17th century farm buildings. The swimming pool (heated from mid June to mid September)and tennis court are set in beautiful landscaped grounds with statues, fountains and cypress trees. Light lunches are served in the shade of lemon trees; gastronomic Tuscan cuisine is prepared for dinner at the ‘Oliviera’ restaurant. The wellness centre features a small hydromassage pool in what was the ancient mediaeval water storage chamber. Relais La Suvera is located on a hillside above the hamlet of Pievescola, 18 miles west of Siena.