nochblad

Another wonderful photo -

https://www.facebook.com/ilturismocu...type=1&theater

Can't wait to visit the Castello again!

MichaelLoughman

Just stunning. Any word on when they'll open next to visit?

nochblad

As soon as I hear something I will report the news.

MichaelLoughman

Thanks. I know they have a Facebook site, but we're among the last Canadians not to be on Facebook

nochblad

The Castello di Sammezzano is being sold. There is talk that the eventual buyer may convert it into a luxury hotel which means that it will effectively become open to the public - but at a cost.

Here are some photos which show why it is such a special place - http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca...125442156/1/#1

The initial asking price of Euro 22 million received no offers and this will now drop to Euro 20 million. If it is to be converted into a hotel a huge amount will have to be spent to bring it up to an acceptable standard respecting at all times the very severe restrictions on what can be done so as to respect the uniqueness of the building.

nochblad

More news -

http://www.italymagazine.com/news/ca...ndoned-tuscany

plus the crowdfunding site to save it -

http://www.savesammezzano.com/#!english-version-/qq5g4

bvlenci

That page seems to be, not a crowdfunding site, but a request for signatures on a petition to have the regional government put up the money to buy and restore it.

bvlenci

It's the Italian version of crowdfunding...

annhig

what an extraordinary place, nochblad - thanks for posting about it.

let's hope that they find the money to preserve it, though it looks as if it wouldn't be cheap!

nochblad

bvlenci - you are correct but it is interesting to note that the Castello is in the Comune of Reggello (where The Mall outlet is located) and just across the river from Rignano sull'Arno, the birth place of Matteo Renzi, the Prime Minister of Italy.

The decision will not depend upon the regional government but solely on Renzi.