Extraordinary Tuscan Castle, Abandoned for Two Decades, Hits the Market for $18.4 Million

The whimsical Sammezzano Castle is said to have origins that trace to ancient Rome

Ornate room with colorful, intricate patterns and geometric designs, seen through an open doorway in a historic building.
The Sammezzano castle, a wondrous estate in Italy’s Tuscany region is now on the market for $18,362,454. Photo: Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate

An exquisite Moorish castle in the heart of Tuscany has hit the market for $18.4 million. Set in the picturesque town of Reggello, the 58,400-square-foot Sammezzano castle is considered one of the most important examples of the architectural style in all of Italy.

Built in 1605 and restored in the 19th century by an Italian nobleman, the estate was briefly used as a hotel and bar after World War II. A second attempt in the early 2000s to turn the palatial residence into a luxury hotel was unsuccessful, and it’s largely sat empty for the past two decades. In 2015, locals formed a “Save Sammezzano” committee that aimed to turn the landmark into a public museum, but their efforts were unsuccessful as well.

The building has a whopping 365 rooms, one for each day of the year, and spans three stories. The extensive, 160-acre grounds that surround the castle are filled with centuries-old trees.

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The castle, with its many beautiful, technicolor rooms giving tourists unlimited backdrops for the perfect photo, has amassed quite the following on social media. More than 6,000 posts on Instagram feature the stunning castle.

The listing hints that, though it was built in the 1600s, the castle’s origins may trace back to ancient Roman times.

The property is listed with Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera International Real Estate. See below for a look inside the incredible, colorful estate.

Historic brick building with ornate details and a large clock tower, framed by tree branches under a blue sky.
The ornate castle was built in the early 1600s, but much of its Moorish features were added in the 1800s. Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate

Ornate, colorful interior of an elaborate hallway with detailed arches and vibrant patterns on walls and ceilings.
The listing says that the castle may have even more ancient origins, dating back to Roman times. Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate

Ornate, colorful ceiling with intricate patterns and a central blue star design in a symmetrical arrangement.
Vibrant, colorful tiles adorn much of the castle’s interior. Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate

View of ornate hallway with intricate columns, detailed archways, and colorful stained glass window in the distance.
On the first floor, monumental details characterize the castle with a decorative eclectic and Moorish style. Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate

Intricately designed ornate ceiling and walls with arches in a historical architectural setting.
Every inch of this vast hall features detailed decoration. Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate

Ornate architectural ceiling with intricate patterns and geometric designs viewed from below, featuring detailed craftsmanship.
The incredible ceiling in the Moorish hall. Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate

Ornate room with intricate white stucco walls, colorful stained glass windows, and a decorative star pattern on the floor.
Colorful stained glass elements are featured throughout the castle. Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate

Intricately decorated interior with colorful geometric patterns on walls and ceiling, featuring arches and columns.
Geometric patterned tiles adorn this stunning room. Coldwell Banker/Bodini Barbera Real Estate