Castello Ceconi stands majestically in Pielungo, a charming hamlet of Vito d'Asio, and was commissioned by the prosperous Giacomo Ceconi, a skilled builder who amassed his wealth through railway line construction during the 19th century. Earning the coveted title of Count of the Crown of Italy required Giacomo Ceconi to construct a residence resembling a grand castle, and thus, he decided to create a villa that would forever tie his descendants to their native Pielungo. Giacomo Ceconi's vision materialized into an awe-inspiring neo-Gothic edifice with an eclectic blend of liberty, medieval, and Renaissance influences. The castle boasts Ghibelline battlements and Gothic balconies, harmoniously juxtaposed with rectangular windows. Adorning the walls, loggias in warm chromatic tones provide a delightful contrast to the frescoes that gracefully meander along the two wings of the building, including those in the lunettes of the imposing Gothic windows. At the main entrance's lunettes, frescoes pay homage to George Stephenson and Alessandro Volta, brilliant scientific minds, flanking an exquisite depiction of the Madonna with Child. Moving to the upper level, the lunettes between the three first-floor windows feature Irene of Spilimbergo and Vittoria Colonna, accompanied by the iconic Leonardo da Vinci, gracefully positioned between the two female figures. One of the magnificent crenellated towers bears the effigy of Alessandro Manzoni. Among the towers, the tallest and thinnest was ingeniously designed to house a bell, serving as a summons for the diligent workers. The castle's square, nestled amidst the wooded mountain slopes, is graced with an elegant circular concrete fountain with dual concentric floors. Interestingly, the fountain sparked a dispute between a local mountain farmer known as Nànol and the Count. Nànol eventually secured the right to pass through the castle courtyard, allowing his herd access to the fountain for a refreshing drink. The castle was heated with wood, which required the uninterrupted work of a person in charge of feeding the enormous tiled stoves, which were found in every room (his name was Florio). Illumination, on the other hand, was powered by electricity generated from a nearby power station, thoughtfully constructed by the Count along the Arzino stream, connected to the 'Agaviva' aqueduct through penstock pipes. Descending to the castle's basement reveals a culinary haven with ovens, where not only typical Friulian dishes were prepared but also those rooted in Austrian tradition. Within the castle, Giacomo Ceconi devoted a room to serve as a museum, carefully safeguarding numerous keepsakes from his youth and entrepreneurial endeavors. Among the treasures were mason's tools used in his early days, drawings of his accomplished projects, dedications, medals, parchments, and diplomas he received, as well as portraits of the dedicated workers and engineers with whom he collaborated during his illustrious career. Graphistudio, after its meticulous renovation, has transformed Ceconi Castle into the ultimate international hub for photographers. Each year, it welcomes hundreds of passionate photographers to participate in a wide array of photography workshops and conferences. Beyond its photography-centered activities, the castle serves as an extraordinary venue for exclusive and carefully curated weddings, rejuvenating retreats, and esteemed corporate events.

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Castello Ceconi - Wikipedia

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Inserted: 06-08-2023 17:08:11