Wedding Italy - Castello Rocco

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Inside of Castle The Castle Story Feature List

Outside of Castle

The Castle From The Gardens

Here are some words from one couple, Kiyomi & Lee, which perhaps describes the castle experience the best:

"We chose Castello Rocca 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 Rocca. The castle was not only exquisite, but the castle’s family literally treated us like royalty. From the moment we arrived at Castello Rocca, 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 Rocca 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 Rocca.

Our wedding, on the turrets of Castello Rocca 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 Rocca 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 Rocca is just that beautiful and special."

Inside The Castle

The Living Room

The Castle's Story

Enchantment, History, Romance

“Castello Rocca” 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 Rocca 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.

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Feature List

Features	Comments
Type of Dwelling	13 Century Military Castle
Maximum Number of People	16
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
Television	Yes
Telephone	No
Other Features of Note	Private chapel and other historic buildings on property, Roof-top terrace