Guided walking excursion to Sammezzano castle

Inserted in a typically Tuscan landscape, Sammezzano Castle is the most important example of orientalist architecture in Italy. Having once belonged to one of the most important families of the Florentine aristocracy, the Panciatichi Ximenes d’Aragona, this mix of Tuscan nature and Moorish-oriental style makes it a unique construction of its kind.

The style of his settings derives from the passion that one of the family members, the Marquis Ferdinando, had for the current defined as “Orientalism”. In about forty years, between 1853 and 1889, the Marquis designed, financed and built the castle with its 65 rooms full of elaborate polychrome stuccos and very valuable ceramic mosaics that echo fascinating oriental homes.

Unfortunately, the castle has been lying in a state of semi-abandonment for years and cannot be visited internally, its splendid rooms can only be admired on the internet, where there are images and videos that show its ancient splendor.

However, the castle is surrounded by a wonderful park, made up of a botanical heritage of inestimable value in which, to this day, sequoias, palms, maples, cedars of Lebanon, oaks, junipers and the many holm oaks which also give the name of the locality in which it is located, precisely Leccio (in Italian is the name of a tree).

Andrea, an environmental guide in the area, will take you on foot to the majestic residence of Sammezzano, crossing its numerous paths populated by exotic and indigenous plants, now the sole guardians of a fairytale castle. You will visit the site of the very tall twin sequoias, observe the park environments and discover the special history of the castle and its creator.

Excursion details
- Travel distance: 2.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 170 metres
- Difficulty: easy
- Duration: approximately 3 hours
- Meeting point: Parking located after the Prada store at The Mall Outlet on the main road from Leccio to Rignano sull’Arno
- Third party civil insurance is included but not personal accident insurance
- Before every activity each participant will be asked to sign a release
- Rate: € 180.00 per group (maximum 15 people)  

If you are alone or in a couple please contact Andrea to get a special rate.  His number is +39 347 3587069, his email is info@florentinehills.com.
Please contact him with confidence also in case you need a ride to reach the starting point of the excursion or for any other information.

N.B.=> If Andrea is not available for the tour or for the transfer, please ask the Reception to find another available guide or to help you to reach the starting point.