Vicino Firenze c’è un castello che ricorda l’Oriente. Al via la rinascita dei giardini con l’architetto Tommaso del Buono
The Castello di Sammezzano, a Moorish-style castle near Florence, Italy, is set for a major revival. Built in the 19th century by the Marquis Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes d'Aragona, the castle is one of Italy's most important examples of Orientalist architecture, featuring over sixty uniquely decorated rooms, a monumental park, and rare botanical species. After decades of neglect, auctions, and sporadic openings, the property was purchased in 2025 by the family of entrepreneur Giorgio Moretti, who plans a €50 million restoration. The first phase will focus on rehabilitating the historic gardens, with work beginning in June 2026.
This revival matters because Sammezzano has long been a symbol of Italy's endangered cultural heritage, topping the FAI's "I Luoghi del Cuore" survey in 2016 and appearing on Europa Nostra's list of most threatened sites. The restoration not only aims to preserve a unique architectural gem but also signals a potential model for private investment in saving neglected historic landmarks. The project could boost local tourism and cultural identity in the Valdarno region, while demonstrating how public advocacy and private funding can combine to rescue at-risk heritage.