Torre Calzolari
Discovering Torre Calzolari: history and monuments
Hello friends, today I'm taking you on a journey to discover Torre Calzolari, a charming hamlet of the town of Gubbio, in the province of Perugia. This small village is situated along the provincial road that connects Gubbio to Fossato di Vico and is located on a hill at 522 meters above sea level, with a panoramic view of the surrounding plain. Currently, 106 people live here.
History
The history of Torre Calzolari is closely linked to that of the medieval castle it houses. In fact, as early as the 11th century, "Castrum Turris Calzolarium" performed its task of protecting the underlying road, owned by the Art of Gubbio's Shoemakers. During the 12th century, emperors Frederick Barbarossa, Henry VI of Swabia, and Otto IV of Brunswick confirmed this possession several times. Inside the castle, there was a small military garrison.
Later, it passed to the Billi family and, in the 16th century, was included in the territories of the Duchy of Urbino. In 1631, together with the entire territory of Gubbio, it returned under the dominion of the State of the Church. Innocent X included it in the community of Scheggia and Pascelupo, and Clement XI, under pressure from Gubbio, reassigned it to the capital.
In the 19th century, the castle and nearby villa were purchased by the famous musician from Vercelli, Giuseppe Bossola, a renowned organist worldwide. Finally, in the 20th century, it passed to the Bosca di Roveto counts.
Monuments and places of interest
The Castle, built-in the 11th century, has now been transformed into a hotel. Inside, we can admire a barrel vault in the entrance hall and a crenellated tower adorned with trefoils. The castle is surrounded by a large centuries-old park, where you can take relaxing walks. It is believed that the castle was built by Frederick Barbarossa during his campaign in Italy, using the site as a place of rest. The barrel vault inside is typical of the Eugubine medieval masonry art.
The castle was known as "Platium Ser Nicolae" in 1411, according to documents present in the Gubbio Archive. During the Liberty period, the castle assumed its current architecture. From a notarial deed from the beginning of the century, there is talk of the sale of the Calzolari Castle by Ser Pernicchia due to gambling debts. The last noble family that owned the castle and the adjacent villa are the Bosca di Roveto counts, a famous and ancient family from the Marche region. The castle was inhabited by Count Mario and Countess Angela, while the Villa was the residence of their daughter Monica, who married Don Ascanio of the Dukes Sforza Cesarini. The wedding ceremony, refined and sumptuous, was celebrated in the prestigious setting of the Castle Chapel, still consecrated today.
Infrastructure and transportation
If you want to visit Torre Calzolari, know that you can arrive by car along the provincial road that connects Gubbio to Fossato di Vico, traveling about 8 km south of the capital. In the past, the town also had a railway station, the Torre Calzolari Station, which was part of the narrow-gauge Central Apennine Railway. This railway connected the Arezzo Station to the Fossato di Vico Station and was in operation from 1886 to 1945.
Conclusions
So, friends, if you're looking for a quiet and picturesque place to visit, Torre Calzolari could be an interesting destination for you. Here you can admire the Castle, located in a panoramic position on the Umbrian hills and surrounded by a splendid centuries-old park. Remember that if you want to reach the town, you can travel along the provincial road that connects it to Gubbio, or opt for the train if narrow gauge doesn't bother you. Trust me, you will fall in love with Torre Calzolari!
