In the steps of the Grand Tour – at Castello del Gallo, Mandela

I had a wonderful trip to visit the Castello del Gallo, in Mandela, a small town east of Rome.

The castle was taken over by the Orsini family in the 1600s, and would later be purchased by the Gallo family, with its connection to Giulia Bonaparte, cousin of Napoleon Bonapart III, and patron of the arts.

The country castle and its surrounding countryside would play host many artists, writers and musicians on the Grand Tour, including Goethe, Chopin, and countless artists who painted landscapes of the stunning “Campagna romana” (Roman countryside) from this pretty vantage point.

Paintings boasting the vantage point of the pretty castle gardens out over that famous campagna romana can be found in art museums around the world.

The family still lives here – and popped in to add info to our guided tour. IMHO, the castle would make a great writers’ retreat … just sayin’. 😀

The German sign is in the billiards room remains from the time the castle was taken over by German troops retreating from Montecassino during WWII.

I’ll need to get back in spring, when the gardens are in bloom. Our guide told us they are currently working on a more extensive garden path that will allow visitors to enjoy the extensive gardens and access the valley down below.

This was a great discovery for me. I’ve long seen this exit from then highway I take frequently to travel to Abruzzo, but never stopped off in this town. I’m so pleased I saw this open weekend, and decided to book my ticket.

The town is small, but was pleasant for wandering. And I stopped to enjoy an excellent lunch before getting back in my car for the short drive back to Rome. A wonderful day exploring this pretty castle. Look forward to going back!