The extravagant residence Castello di Sammezzano sits on top of a hill in Tuscany, Central Italy. Originally it was built in the Moorish style in 1605 for Ximenes d'Aragona and then re-designed between 1853 and 1889. After the war the castello was used as a luxury hotel until closure in the mid to late 1990's. It was abandoned until April 2012 when the FPXA committee was formed, aiming to promote and enhance the castle.
Photo source: Link
Wikipedia (italian only atm): Link
Absolutely breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteWow! So beautifully stunning!
ReplyDeleteamazing!! must visit here someday...
ReplyDeleteHow could ANYONE simply abandon this place? If I were to ever step foot inside such a building, I fear I would never leave!! The architecture is astounding and you'd never know from how it looks on the outside. Shame on the people who left the building to rot when it should of been cared for meticulously.
ReplyDeleteDavid, you must be an American too,
Deletewe're simply not used to such beautiful ancient buildings
and can't conceive of neglecting them.
But look at the magnificent train station in Detroit,
left to rot and decay and to vandalism. It's unthinkable.
Another building added to my lists of places to visit :)
ReplyDeletehello, I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Want to warn you that the place is rarely open to the public and has no electricity, so, in addition to find out when it is open, you must choose a clear day, preferable during the morning for your visit. Enjoy it!!
DeleteVery beautiful.. How far would it be from Florence? Kaya and I are staying in Florence and doing day trips from there. Is it too far to travel in a day?
ReplyDeletehello, I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's 41 km far from Florence... must find out whether the castello is open to the public and choose a clear day because there is no electricity inside the facilities. Enjoy!!
DeleteHello, Do you know how to make contact with the place? How to tell if visitors ...
DeleteThanks
Abandoned? How could anything this beautiful become abandoned!
ReplyDeleteAt least it wasn't vandalized.
Guess it just goes to show you should stick with earth tones
when you decorate, if you wanna re-sell later!
Cheers from California!
John
i just can speak awesome
ReplyDeleteI spent my wedding night here, and had a totally fantastic dinner in the restaurant..The suites was a fantasy come true... Our guests was blown away. Angel murals in the ceilings, fireplaces in bathrooms.... It all was a riot and insanely over the top... Gorgeous! So sad to see it gone....
ReplyDeleteHow does one make an appointment to see this place? I read on Trip Advisor that is was only by appointment. Sue
DeleteOne of the most romantic and beautiful place in the world. I love to visit Italy and every time I will get attracted towards its beauty.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
italy vacation
This wonder of architecture and gorgeous colour design should be labelled World Heritage.
ReplyDeleteIt is located just 1 hour from my hometown, but I have never heard about it. It is common in Italy to find these unknown treasures "hidden" in smaller villages and countryside, but people tend to forget about them, especially the locals. Hopefully I will visit it next time I go back, thank you :)
ReplyDeleteTuscany is in central Italy, not northern. Please, correct!
ReplyDeleteDone, thank you!
Delete