The Castle of Torre Alfina: Medieval Masterpiece

In the ancient fiefdom of the Monaldeschi della Cervara in Torre Alfina stands out a castle distinguished by defensive towers of unrivaled beauty and charm: a medieval castle spanning approx. 4,900 sq m of interiors with 35 principal rooms spread over different levels and surrounded by approx. 1,000 sq m of Italian-style garden, whose paths arranged in harmonious geometries accompany the walks of guests staying in the castle’s rooms. This majestic property originated around a Lombard watchtower, whose origins date back to the 18th century, was expanded in the Early Middle Ages, and for centuries was home to the most important Orvieto families. As a fief it underwent radical transformations under the Sforza Monaldeschi in the Renaissance, yet it retained its elegance in the long corridors, the frescoed halls, and the furnishings redolent of craftsmanship and refined customs. In 1880 it was purchased by Count Edoardo Cahen d’Anvers, who engaged the architect Giuseppe Partini and the gardeners Henri and Achille Duchêne, instructing them to restore the residence conservatively to safeguard an asset that was to maintain its natural vocation for the stewardship of the land. The ground floor of the castle features an important and spacious gallery of frescoes with historical and allegorical themes celebrating the noble houses, coats of arms, and decorative elements of Renaissance order. Continuing along the corridors, various rooms open up with coffered vaulted ceilings in inlaid wood, statues, and marble floors in different colors, enriching one’s passage with plays of proportions and perspectives. Ascending to the piano nobile, light and colors fill every space and, through the large windows with round arches, one can enjoy an endless view over the village below and the green countryside of Lazio. The piano nobile boasts frescoed corridors, 10 bedrooms, a dining room, several grand reception halls, and a wood-floored library. The second floor is composed entirely of lively, consecutive attic rooms, consisting almost entirely of a sleeping area with several bedrooms, and an area housing attic spaces, storage rooms, and warehouses. From the towers, wonderful views open over the surrounding territory, distinctive glimpses typical of Tuscia. The garden is a precious jewel cared for as something sacred, made of Italian excellence: the fountain with its water features, the labyrinthine hedges, the vases, the planters, the strong colors, the tall gates, the charm of the enfilade rooms, the game rooms, the reading rooms with fireplaces, the open courtyard—everything in this castle seems tailor-made to be a place to visit, a work of art to be lived.*The present information and floor plans are purely indicative and do not constitute contractual elements.