One of Tuscany’s most spectacular architectural gems, the Castello di Sanmezzano, abandoned and deteriorating for 30 years, now has hope of being restored to its previous splendor.
The Castello, set in the classic Tuscan countryside in the small town of Leccio, a town more well-known for its luxury factory outlets, has a history dating back to the 17th century.
In 2015, a group of English-speaking women from Florence were afforded the rare privilege to tour the decaying castle. Scrambling over falling plaster, broken steps and exposed electric lines, we marveled at the ceramic mosaics, bas relief, colorful carved wood porticos and pillars of this magnificent building. The group was led from room to room, in awe of the beauty and craftsmanship of the neglected masterpiece. Inspired by China, Arabia and Spain architectural styles, Sanmezzano remains the only example of Moorish-Orientalist architecture in Italy.
Originally built in 1605 by Spanish aristocrats, the castle was later owned by the Medici family until the late 19th century when Marquis Ferdinando Ximenes d’Aragona acquired the property.
He expanded and transformed the property, dedicating his life to the huge project he called his “Dream of the Orient.”
Ximenes d’Aragona labored to create a delightful park, planning many species of junipers, oaks, palms, maples and Europe’s largest grove of sequoias. Its 65 hectares (160 acres) remain a bucolic and enchanting place to visit, although the castle has been closed to the public for more than 10 years.
In 2017 a company from Dubai attempted to purchase the property for €15 million, but the deal fell through and in the ensuing years the palace continued to deteriorate. But salvation materialized for the historic gem on May 2, 2025, when the Giorgio Moretti family purchased the property for €18 million with the goal of restoring and returning it to the people. The Florentine entrepreneur plans to spend an additional €50 million on the restoration.
The Moretti family, long known in Florence for their civic minded activities, founded the organization Angeli del Bello (Angels of Beauty). The non-profit enlists companies and individuals in the care and conservation of public spaces. From cleaning off graffiti to picking up litter to maintaining local parks, the Angels of Beauty enlists an army of volunteers in protecting the beauty and heritage of Florence.
The restoration of Castello di Sanmezzano doubtless will be a costly and lengthy process, but Tuscany’s cultural heritage stands to further benefit for the renaissance of this jewel of orientalist architecture. (rita kungel)
