The Rebirth of Sammezzano Castle, Tuscany’s Moorish Dream

The Castle of Sammezzano has ancient roots, with traces of Roman settlement and later medieval additions. In the seventeenth century it was bought by the Ximenes d’Aragona family, but it was Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes who, in the nineteenth century, transformed it radically: between 1853 and 1889 he reshaped it in Moorish style, drawing on Islamic, Indian and Persian art to create a building unique in Europe, with 365 rooms adorned by exotic, symbolic motifs. After his death the castle fell into decline; it served as a hotel in the 1970s and was later abandoned, becoming an object of fascination for its extraordinary architecture and history.

The commitment to its rebirth has been taken up by the Moretti family, who are leading a meticulous operation that respects the priceless historical, artistic and natural heritage of the complex. The operational phase of this revival began in earnest at the start of September 2025, focusing first on securing the structure. On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, work officially began to make the castle safe — a crucial step toward restoring life and splendor to this masterpiece. Ginevra Moretti, CEO of SMZ srl, describes Sammezzano as “a fairy-tale dream — one grounded, first of all, in values.”

For the Moretti family, the project represents “a concrete commitment to protecting one of the few surviving examples of Oriental and eclectic architecture in Europe.” After the securing works, the plan calls for the administrative and operational phases, to be managed in concert with all the institutions involved. The aspiration is clear: to open the castle’s piano nobile as museum heritage, together with the monumental park. The ultimate aim is to return this singular treasure to the public, so it is no longer a forgotten asset. The revival project isn’t limited to the museum dimension, but embraces a high-level experiential one as well.

As Maximillian Fane — directly involved, too, in managing the crucial forestry and botanical side — points out, the intention is to create cultural experiences that coexist harmoniously with the castle’s museum nature and with the rigorous protection of the monumental park, which is “a first concrete commitment.” The castle’s historic vocation as a place of encounter and beauty will be preserved, weaving in elements of hospitality and events in keeping with the setting.

The start of these important works, after a long stretch of waiting and uncertainty, is a source of great pride — but above all of responsibility. Giorgio Moretti stresses that the family is committing not only financially but operationally, thanks to the enthusiasm and passion of Max and Ginevra. That commitment is meant to give back “life, dignity and a future to a place of unique beauty.” He underlines that Sammezzano is everyone’s heritage, and that everyone should have the privilege of visiting it at least once in a lifetime.

The people behind this necessary endeavor, backed by a specialized team, are working to imagine and realize a future in which Sammezzano can once again be a living cultural asset — accessible to all, rigorously protected, and in constant dialogue with the world. And we at FUL will keep you updated on how the work progresses, waiting eagerly for the day we can finally step inside.

Photos: ©Alessandro Moggi