The long-unresolved fate of Sammezzano Castle, one of Tuscany’s most extraordinary architectural treasures, may finally have turned a corner. After years of auctions, legal disputes, and failed deals, the iconic Moorish Revival palace near Reggello is set to be officially purchased by the Moretti family, known for their industrial and real estate interests.
The news has been confirmed by the prospective buyers, who announced that the acquisition process is nearly complete and the official deed will be signed within the next month. While the financial details have not been disclosed, the new owners have already shared their intention to restore the castle and transform it into a museum.
Sammezzano Castle has attracted international attention for its dazzling Orientalist interiors, richly decorated with polychrome tiles, arches, domes, and intricate stucco work—a rarity in the Italian architectural landscape. Originally built in the 17th century and later transformed into a Moorish fantasy in the 19th century by Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes d’Aragona, the castle has been closed to the public for years and left in a state of neglect.
As previously reported by Florence Daily News in November 2024, the castle had been put up for auction several times without success. Preservationists and local activists have long expressed concerns over the site’s vulnerability, calling for serious restoration efforts and sustainable cultural reuse.
The Moretti family’s plan to establish a museum inside the castle has been welcomed with optimism. While full details are still to be announced, the project is expected to include the conservation of the historic interiors and public access to the site. The castle and its 160-acre park are protected by Italy’s cultural heritage laws, meaning all restoration and reuse plans will be subject to approval by the regional heritage authority (Soprintendenza).
If successful, the initiative could reopen one of Italy’s most unique and enchanting sites to the public, offering both cultural value and economic opportunities for the surrounding area.
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