Tuscany’s Sanmezzano Castle made headlines again recently.
Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes of Aragon transformed the ancient castle into a dreamlike example of Moorish architecture between 1843 and 1889, with colorful mosaics inspired by Islamic art.
It is believed that the original building dates back prior to the year 1000, and offered a place to spend the night for Charlemagne in 780 upon his return from Rome where the Pope had baptized his son.
The last Italian owners of the palatial residence was the Kairos company, and a Florence court has favored their appeal to keep the property by denying the transfer of ownership to the temporary Arab occupants who made a bid at a bankruptcy auction. Their check has not been accepted and Kairos is willing to pay more. it is still unclear whether the castle will be reassigned back to the Kairos, or if a new owner will be found.
The Sammezzano Castle, on an estate in Leccio near Reggello, received the most votes in a poll in which the public chose a “Luogo del Cuore,” (A Place to Take to Heart) their favorite artistic or historic site in Italy in need of restoration. Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes of Aragon transformed the ancient castle into a dreamlike example of Moorish architecture between 1843 and 1889, with colorful mosaics inspired by Islamic art.
It is believed that the original building dates back prior to the year 1000, and offered a place to spend the night for Charlemagne in 780 upon his return from Rome where the Pope had baptized his son.
Having been designated a “Luogo del Cuore,” Sammezzano will receive a grant to begin needed maintenance by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), a trust that helps to preserve and safeguard Italy’s landmarks, and the bank Intesa di San Paolo.
The castle was used as the movie set for 2015 “Tale of Tales” starring Salma Heyek and Vincent Cassel.
The minister of Cultural Heritage, Dario Franceschini, tried to draw attention towards this oriental jewel, but those attempts have failed. For more information on the case and to see a photo gallery, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site. (jennifer klammer & rosanna cirigliano)
