La Locanda del Molino, the art of hospitality by Silvia Baracchi in Cortona.
In the heart of Cortona, an ancient oil mill has been reborn as a charming retreat, offering authentic cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. As the Michelin-starred chef at Relais & Châteaux Il Falconiere, Silvia Baracchi is redefining the concept of hospitality, transforming every stay into a deep cultural and human encounter.
A corner of Tuscany where time seems to have slowed its pace, leaving the authentic atmosphere of the old coaching inns intact. La Locanda del Molino, once used for olive pressing, is today a charming retreat that preserves the truest and deepest spirit of the Cortona countryside.
Crossing the threshold of this ancient oil mill means taking a step back in time, to when travelers and pilgrims would stop to rest and eat around a protective hearth. That family-like welcome, intimate and warm, has not been lost at all. On the contrary, it has become the hallmark of an oasis of peace and tranquility, nestled in a region renowned worldwide for its art, culture, superb cuisine, and fine wines.
The secret to this enchantment lies primarily in the passion of the people who bring it to life every day. Hosting the experience is the great Stefano, who takes guests on a true sensory journey, passionately recounting the history and nuances of local wines. From the dining room to the kitchen, the journey continues under the expert guidance of chef Simona.
She is the guardian of the establishment’s culinary secrets, capable of winning over diners with dishes that offer simple, natural flavors. A place of training and growth for Silvia Baracchi—formerly the celebrated Michelin-starred chef of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Il Falconiere —the inn offers typical Tuscan dishes, rejecting fleeting formalities to focus on the richness of tradition: the excellence of ingredients, respect for seasonal cycles, and preparations rich in secrets evoke moments of pure conviviality.
As the guardian of a deep-rooted family tradition, Silvia shares her vision of hospitality, transforming time-honored flavors into a contemporary and unforgettable experience. Every decision is guided by the desire to foster a deep connection—a harmony between people and their surroundings. Guests become part of a larger story:unity, family, belonging, and the local area have nurtured a dream that has become a reality.
La Locanda del Molino is not just a place to refresh the body, but a perfect “retreat” for the spirit and a strategic base, ideal for exploring the surrounding historical wonders. Cortona, nestled on a hillside, boasts a history spanning millennia: from the Etruscan and Roman eras, through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the city offers artistic treasures of inestimable value.
Visitors can lose themselves in the narrow streets and centuries-old walls of the charming Poggio district, then climb up to the Basilica of Santa Margherita, the city’s patron saint.
On the way back, the route offers the chance to admire the panoramic Via Crucis, enriched by the mosaics of the Futurist master, the Cortona-born Gino Severini. The territory thus becomes an integral part of a project that places the guest at the center, making them the protagonist, even if only for a day.
Whether for a romantic getaway, a cultural journey, or a quest for fine food and wine, La Locanda del Molino stands as an essential destination, a place close to the heart, where every dish carries with it a scent, a gesture, a memory, an experience.
Nothing feels forced or artificial. The true value of this place lies precisely in its ability to remain true to its identity: to offer with simplicity, to welcome with discretion, and to convey with passion an unconditional love for its roots.
This is the secret kept within the inn’s walls. A promise of authenticity from Silvia Baracchi. The most authentic secret of the Locanda del Molino: not merely to provide lodging, but to leave guests with the rare feeling that they have, in some way, returned home.
