Castello Sannazzaro di Giarole

HISTORY: The castle was built following a diploma granted by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1163 to four Sannazzaro knights, authorizing them, among other privileges, to build a castle on their estates. Reliable documents attest to its existence from the late 13th to early 14th centuries. Remodeled several times over the centuries, it was transformed into a country residence in the 18th century with the renovation of the south wing overlooking the village, which was restored and redecorated in the Neo-Gothic style between 1854 and 1857. An extremely rare occurrence in Italy, it has always been owned by the Sannazzaro family, who still own it and live there today. In the past, it has hosted the Paleologo Marquises of Monferrato, the Gonzaga Princes, King Charles Emmanuel III of Sardinia and his son (the future Victor Amadeus III), who stayed here for a few days in September 1745, King Victor Emmanuel II with Emperor Napoleon III in 1859, Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy-Aosta in 1911, artists, and other famous figures. The complex is surrounded by a park of approximately 23,000 square meters bordered by the Grana stream, which once supplied water to the moat. The 19th-century English-style garden, with tall trees (plane trees, horse chestnuts, ginkgo, walnuts, yews, poplars, and other species), has been made more comfortable with several corners where you can rest and enjoy the cool air, including an orchard and a large gazebo on the western side behind the stables. ACCOMMODATION: Sannazzaro Castle is a large and charming private historic residence offering hospitality in the following ways: Bed and breakfast: The castle hosts a B&B with six rooms, four with private bathrooms and two with shared bathrooms, furnished with period furniture. One of the rooms is on the main floor and features a four-poster bed. Guided tours: The castle can be visited on certain Sundays according to the Open Castles event calendar (see www.castelliaperti.it) or at any time by reservation. Tours are guided by the owners.