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The Castle of Catajo
The castle looks like a massive structure, perched between the hill behind it and the canal that flows in front, the outer appearance makes it similar to medieval castles, but the richness of the interior decoration reflects the elegant and refined taste of the Renaissance . Was double the building's function: to provide temporary housing for soldiers of PioEnea appropriate framework to magnificent receptions for distinguished guests.
The Castle of Catajo it is open to the pubblic from February to November, on Sundays, Tuesdays and bank holidays afternoons only (all tours are guided). All year around is open for schools, family groups, summer resorts. Booking is required. The castle can hold wedding receptions, business meetings, events and concerts up to 350 people indoors.
HISTORY :
The Obizzi family, whose origins lie in the Burgundy region of France, may be considered, in Italian history, as a family of "soldiers of fortune", who reached Italy in the wake of the Emperor Henry II in 1007.
After settling originally in Tuscany, the family took up residence in the Venetian Republic, at the time highly powerful and rarely at war with the Italian states, since its interests lay in conquests outside Italy, linked to its maritime activities.
In a period of peace, Pio Enea degli Obizzi (who gave his name to the "obice", a howitzer siege cannon), attracted by the beauty of the area, decided to build a palace worthy of the magnificence of the family.
This palace was designed by Pio Enea himself without the help of architects; it is therefore a cross between a military castle and a prince's palace. It was built in just three years between 1570 and 1573 (with the exception of the uppermost wing, which dates back to the 19th century). Paintings were originally only planned on the outside walls (but no longer exists), but in 1571 Pio Enea had the inside walls frescoed with the exploits of his family by Gian Battista Zelotti, a pupil of Paolo Veronese.
During the visits inside the castle you will be toured by official guide who will explain and illustrates to you peculiarities of the complex.
From the main entrance we reach to "Giant Courtyard " which was often used to stage up plays (dearly loved by the Obizzi) and tournaments, included water tournaments since the lower ground level could be filled with water.
For more informations, visit web site : http://www.castellodelcatajo.it
