|
PHOTOS
The Castle's History
The Castle's Layout & Features
WEDDING PHOTOS & DETAILS DETAILS
RENTAL RATES
|
Here are some words from one couple, Kiyomi & Lee,
which perhaps describes the castle experience the best:
"We
chose Castello Praja as the place we would pledge our eternal love.
What a choice we made!! In the dictionary under the word picturesque, it
says, see Castello Praja. The castle was not only exquisite, but the
castle’s family literally treated us like royalty. From the moment we
arrived at Castello Praja, we were waited on hand and foot, fed
extraordinary cuisine, and treated to guided tours of the spectacular
region in Praia a Mare and the surrounding villages. We simply cannot say
enough wonderful things about the family of Castello Praja and the
property itself. We were in heaven during our week stay at the castle and
Kiyomi’s parents can now brag about their stint as the Lord and Lady of
Castello Praja.
Our wedding, on the turrets
of Castello Praja overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on a perfect spring
afternoon, is something that not only Kiyomi and I will talk about for the
rest of our lives, but our guests will as well. Our goal was an intimate
wedding adventure, and we succeeded with a quaint wedding ceremony in
Italian and English translation, fabulous sights, adventurous
photographers and guests, and incredible food to keep our stomachs’ happy.
Silvia and Luigi, the photographers, took us around the town and port of
Maratea and produced a fabulous album and DVD. We are incredibly thankful
to Silvia and Luigi for their hard work and creativity. The entire
experience at Castello Praja was fabulous. Everyone left the castle with
memories that will be forever etched in their minds and hearts. And
Kiyomi and I have a sneaky suspicion that we will be back someday to renew
our memories. Castello Praja is just that beautiful and special."
|
|
Photos & Castle Features & Castle History
photos inside of
Castle Feature List
Castle History
Outside of Castle
The Castle From The Gardens The Chapel - Brilliant Simplicity The Gate from Gardens to Castle South View From Castle Top
The Castle From The Gardens
Inside The Castle
Filomena Giving Pasta Lessons - Take A Lesson Yourself
The
Castle's Story
Enchantment, History, Romance
“Castello Praja” is
a
13th century castle of magnificent
defensive military architecture. It
amazingly retains its original character.
The castle had two major military
roles. First, as was common in medieval Italy, it was used as a
base in the feud between two local families. The triumphant
family of that feud, the Marchesi family, still owns and periodically
uses the castle today. Second, the castle supported
the Christian alliance of the Byzantines and the Longobards in their
successful struggles against the Saracens - helping to save
European Christianity.
Although
in years of old the
function of Castello Praja was military, today it is
simply romance. Perched on a rock overlooking the sea,
the mountains and the town of Praia a
Mare, the awesome warrior might of the
castle walls are mellowed by acres of gardens and trees.
Situated amidst this verdant softness
and rays of yellow sunlight waits a
small simple
wedding chapel
- it waits to
bestow its ancient blessings on couples beginning new
lives, beginning new chapters, beginning new histories.
Epic history, stunning medieval
castle architecture, and 360 degree panoramic views aside, there
is FILOMENA. She has been welcoming and caring for the Marchesi
family and their guests for, well, decades.
Her smile and hugs (and the author will testify) ignites pure
Italian warmth and
hospitality. And, if you ask, she will demonstrate the art of making
intricate pastas by hand (pasta
fatto a mano).
The castle with its public rooms and courtyards has 8
bedrooms (one single) and seven bathrooms.
The Marchesi family and
Filomena awaits you.
*****************
Feature List
|
Features |
Comments |
|
Type of Dwelling |
13 Century Military Castle |
|
Maximum Number of People |
15 |
|
Number of Guest Bedrooms |
8 bedrooms (one room is small), two with fireplace. One is a honeymoon suite that
has a small kitchen and private patio |
|
Number of Bathrooms |
7 |
|
Living Room |
with large stone fireplace |
|
Dining Room |
Yes |
|
Courtyards |
2 |
|
Kitchens |
3 total
1 antique kitchen with fireplace, 1 modern kitchen with
living area and fireplace, 1 (small) in
honeymoon suite |
|
Types of Views |
Sea and Mountains and the town of Praia a Mare |
|
Town Location |
Praia a Mare |
|
Swimming Pool |
No |
|
Fireplaces |
5 |
|
Quality of Decor |
Good |
|
Historical Significance |
Included in the Italian National Building Registry |
|
Breakfast |
Included |
|
Maid Services |
Optional |
|
Cooking Services |
Optional |
|
Is Car Required? |
Yes |
|
On Site Management |
Yes |
|
Central Heating |
No |
|
Air Conditioning |
No |
|
Washing Machine |
Yes (owner will give you a quote) |
|
Television |
Yes |
|
Telephone |
No |
|
Other Features of Note |
Private chapel and other historic buildings on property,
Roof-top
terrace |
|
