Sammezzano Castle
The castle of Sammezzano is unknown to a wide range of tourists. It is located in Tuscany, on the territory of the commune of Regello. It is quite problematic to get here, because the lock opens for inspection very rarely, but this does not mean that entry is strictly prohibited here. This place was often used during the filming of films and video clips.
History of Sammezzano Castle
The first building appeared here back in 780. It was owned in turn by the kings of France and Longobardia, one of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, rich families from Florence, including the famous Medici. In 1853, the building became the property of Marquis Ferdinando Pancatica Jimenez di Aragon. The new owner of the building was a wide-ranging specialist: he was well versed in natural and exact sciences, politics, and geology.
He was a collector and philanthropist, and left his mark on many areas of Italian culture. However, the Marquis himself considered the reconstruction of the Castle of Sammezzano to be the main business of his life, which he did until 1889. During this time, he changed not only the interior, turning into a kind of Alhambra palace from the Spanish Granada, but also the exterior, becoming like a magnificent Taj Mahal. After World War II, an expensive hotel operated in the building, but the building was closed a year before the Millennium. Lights and water were turned off there, guards were removed, leaving the charming creation to be torn apart by rains, snows, winds and vandals. The restoration of the unique building was started only in 2012.
Description of the Castle of Sammezzano
The castle consists of 365 rooms, completely different from each other. The number of rooms was not chosen by chance: it symbolizes the number of days in a year. The names of the rooms are also striking: The Corridor of Stalactites, the Hall of Peacocks, the Lace Hall of Amanti, the Hall of Lovers, the Corridor of Spanish shells, the Hall of Lilies, the Room of mirrors, smart solutions, and so on. Each room is characterized by a specific color scheme and original geometry, moldings and patterns, ornaments and magnificent lace, columns and domes. Hidden niches, corridors and arches are located between the large rooms, turning into intricate mazes.
The charming Castle of Sammezzano can be admired for hours. However, the opening hours of the unique creation are very unusual, the building opens for only a few days a month, while the free places for the tour run out in just a few minutes. The lucky ones can walk around the first floor without going upstairs, without going into the offices and kitchen. And the room time is limited to only one hour.
Sammezzano Castle Park
But the charming park, laid out in the 19th century, can be admired without restrictions at any time of the year. The most exotic trees feel great here. For example, local redwoods have already reached a height of 35 meters and continue to grow. The park's territory covers 65 hectares and is fully planted with both native and imported plants.
In addition to the magnificent redwoods, many representatives of the flora kingdom live here, among which the majestic oaks of stone, cork, and fluffy varieties stand apart. Bridges, pools, fountains, and statues have become architectural decorations of the park. There is even a small artificial cave.
