Catajo Castle, Battaglia Terme, Italy

Castello del Catajo is a patrician house near the town of Battaglia Terme. It had its origins in a simple villa that was rebuilt and extravagantly enlarged in the manner of a feudal castle from 1570 onwards by Marquess Pio Enea I degli Obizzi, a member of an Italian noble family of French origin. The house contains a vast cycle of historical battle scenes frescoed in 1571–1572 by Giambattista Zelotti, a pupil of Paolo Veronese. He began with events from the Roman age, culminating with the military triumphs of Pio Enea degli Obizzi, which were recreated in the gardens with tourneys and spectacles. His nephew Pio Enea II enlarged the complex with the grand entrance courtyard, announced by sculptures on high drum pedestals, which is dominated by the Baroque 'Elephant' fountain.

In the 19th century the estate passed to Francis V, Duke of Modena, who in turn left it to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. During the First World War the castle was inherited by Charles I of Austria, the last Emperor of Austria-Hungary, but it was sequestered as war reparations by the Italian State, which sold it in 1926 to the Dalla Francesca family, who currently open it to the public.

References:

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Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

ANDY WATT (8 months ago)
Excellent place to visit, well worth the money

Martina (8 months ago)
Nothing else to say other than beautiful. The frescos are so well preserved, rich and colorful. The whole architecture is interesting because it was thought to be a castle to host events to entertain the nobility of the time. The audio guides are really informative and add some really interesting details. The parc is enchanting as well. The ticket price is around 10 euros and a small discount can be provided for certain categories. The history behind this castle is fascinating and intertwined with other noble Houses and palaces of Europe. (the noble floor, the most beautiful one, cannot be photographed).

Tiberiu T (14 months ago)
Nice to visit if you are in the area. Good renovation, well preserved pictures on walls, very interesting garden. Need about 1.5 hours. Has toilet and also refreshments dispensers.

Stephanie Chin (20 months ago)
Beautiful frescoes preserved so well it’s amazing. All the walls and ceilings are painted. The grounds are pretty amazing too.

marina nicole (2 years ago)
It can be just 6 fresco roomsand a garden, but it worth a visit as a Veneto important sight, you can fell epoque here

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