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I Capture The Haunting Beauty Of This Abandoned Castle In Italy (40 Pics)
On a road trip to Italy, at the end of February, I almost got stuck in Italy just before the border closed because of the COVID-19. One of the reasons for my trip was to visit a place mysteriously abandoned despite its grandeur and beauty. This magnificent 150 rooms castle was built at the start of the 20th century by a wealthy industrialist in a neo-gothic Italian style. Since then, it has passed from owner to owner following various bankruptcies. Arriving at the site at sunrise, I was able to take advantage of the rising sunlight to explore the surprising architecture.
More info: francismeslet.com
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All comers
One privilege I particularly appreciate when offered to me is to be able to walk around the corridors of a ruined castle, a palace, a mansion or villa. The thought that invariably comes to mind is—how is it possible that such majestic places are today in such a state having known so many splendors? There are multiple reasons—problems of inheritances, bankruptcies, fires, or earthquakes—the list may be long. It is not for me to judge.
Gone with the light
Spirit of the stairs
I have to go now
Simply to know how to enjoy the view of these spaces, to enter with the utmost discretion, and walk around with the greatest respect. I wait for the day to dawn and try to understand how the architects and decorators devised such places, invariably admiring the increasing light. I become a châtelain or a viscount during my incognito visit and take the greatest pleasure in imagining what life was like for the occupants, finding the best angles to take pictures and leave discreetly where I came in, gladly leaving my noble title behind when I push back the shutter.
If you’re interested, you can find my previous posts here and here on Bored Panda.
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Ready for a beginning
Emerging from the crisis
How far?
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A friend who wants you well
Eyes in front of the holes
Let go of our wildest dreams
Hold on to tiles
Heads or tails
The warmth of stone
Keep me alive for a while
I can’t hold you back
Happiness is in the stairwell
I’ve been looking at you for centuries
Ask yourself the right questions
I feel it light up in me
Temporarily
I guess it’s real
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Smash me with your rays
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Never two without you
What to expect ?
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You are here
Vain mass
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What do you think ?
averageperson 4 years ago
The detail on every wall, the intricate carvings in every stair rail and doorway... it's really sad that such a beautiful place just sits there, useless. I would love to see someone renovate this and restore it to its former glory. By the way, the pictures are great.
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
Thank you for comment. I'm sure this place will find a new owner and will be renovate soon.
Load More Replies...
b l a n c 4 years ago
if i can't run around in a beautiful dress and get lost in this castle what am i even here for
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
Nobody can forbid you to dream. Thank you for comment.
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Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
It's beautiful and would be more so if renovated but I can understand it being empty. What would you do with it? It doesn't look like a very inviting or comfortable living space.
Daria B 4 years ago
It could be repurposed as some kind of public building. A museum would be the most obvious choice, or a culture centre, an administrative office, or something like that.
Load More Replies...
Raynell 4 years ago
The titles were really fascinating. It made me look deeper into the photos to try to see what inspired them. The building is absolutely mesmerizing in terms of the level of care the crafters put into each detail. I hope it finds a new use soon.
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
I assume it is owned by a bank, the last owner went bankrupt and the property was probably seized by creditors. Thank you for comment
Load More Replies... Anne 4 years ago
The picture titles were distracting from the beauty of the castle. They don't match
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
Il'ts your own opinion. Not the opinion of everybody. But sure I respect. Thank you for comment
Load More Replies...
P.girija Puchhakayala 4 years ago
The Castle looks so beautiful and i think u enjoyed a lot when u see such wonderful Castle sir!!!. By the i also want to visit that place. Feeling like once upon a time there lived a Queen....
TaranW 4 years ago
I would really hope the local historical society [if there is one] manages to somehow get this place. It's really not liveable, I can't imagine the cost of living there/bringing it up to snuff in regards to modernity while preserving the architectural quality of the building. Would need to fall into very, very financially wealthy hands, and those hands would need to know how to spend that money wisely. Otherwise it has great potential to be a public building, museum or otherwise. Great photos.
Chris DiFonso 4 years ago
What a shame that it's been abandoned. Amazing building, though some of the decor (such as the circles that are half-light colored and half-orange colored) is ugly.
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
Yes, it should be remembered that the construction of this castle is recent, at the beginning of the 20th century. He's barely a hundred years old. It is itself a gigantic reproduction and imitation of neo-gothic styles. There is nothing really feudal about it. And it is true that some attempts at restoring paint are rather aproximative or even in bad taste. Thank you for comment
Load More Replies...
John Doe AKA "READ MY DAMN COMMENT OR REPLY BEFORE YOU DISLIKE!" 4 years ago
Holy s**t this nice.
averageperson 4 years ago
The detail on every wall, the intricate carvings in every stair rail and doorway... it's really sad that such a beautiful place just sits there, useless. I would love to see someone renovate this and restore it to its former glory. By the way, the pictures are great.
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
Thank you for comment. I'm sure this place will find a new owner and will be renovate soon.
Load More Replies... b l a n c 4 years ago
if i can't run around in a beautiful dress and get lost in this castle what am i even here for
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
Nobody can forbid you to dream. Thank you for comment.
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
It's beautiful and would be more so if renovated but I can understand it being empty. What would you do with it? It doesn't look like a very inviting or comfortable living space.
Daria B 4 years ago
It could be repurposed as some kind of public building. A museum would be the most obvious choice, or a culture centre, an administrative office, or something like that.
Load More Replies... Raynell 4 years ago
The titles were really fascinating. It made me look deeper into the photos to try to see what inspired them. The building is absolutely mesmerizing in terms of the level of care the crafters put into each detail. I hope it finds a new use soon.
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
I assume it is owned by a bank, the last owner went bankrupt and the property was probably seized by creditors. Thank you for comment
Load More Replies... Anne 4 years ago
The picture titles were distracting from the beauty of the castle. They don't match
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
Il'ts your own opinion. Not the opinion of everybody. But sure I respect. Thank you for comment
Load More Replies... P.girija Puchhakayala 4 years ago
The Castle looks so beautiful and i think u enjoyed a lot when u see such wonderful Castle sir!!!. By the i also want to visit that place. Feeling like once upon a time there lived a Queen....
TaranW 4 years ago
I would really hope the local historical society [if there is one] manages to somehow get this place. It's really not liveable, I can't imagine the cost of living there/bringing it up to snuff in regards to modernity while preserving the architectural quality of the building. Would need to fall into very, very financially wealthy hands, and those hands would need to know how to spend that money wisely. Otherwise it has great potential to be a public building, museum or otherwise. Great photos.
Chris DiFonso 4 years ago
What a shame that it's been abandoned. Amazing building, though some of the decor (such as the circles that are half-light colored and half-orange colored) is ugly.
Francis Meslet (Post author) 4 years ago
Yes, it should be remembered that the construction of this castle is recent, at the beginning of the 20th century. He's barely a hundred years old. It is itself a gigantic reproduction and imitation of neo-gothic styles. There is nothing really feudal about it. And it is true that some attempts at restoring paint are rather aproximative or even in bad taste. Thank you for comment
Load More Replies... John Doe AKA "READ MY DAMN COMMENT OR REPLY BEFORE YOU DISLIKE!" 4 years ago
Holy s**t this nice.
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