1 Like
According to Monaldo Monaldeschi of Cervara, author of a chronicle in the XVI century, the castle was built around a pre-existing tower (built perhaps by the Germanic people called Alfi) in VIII century but, since the historian of the Monaldeschi family was a known forger, unfortunately we cannot be sure of this statement.
The castle of Torre Alfina, in the hands of the Monaldeschi of Cervara, a branch of the Monaldeschi family prey to internecine wars throughout the fourteenth century, was in fact the scene of some bloody episodes.
After having exhausted its defensive needs, the building underwent a period of decline, and it was eventually made into a country house. Then Edward Cahen, an Antwerp banker, entrusted its restructuring to architect Joseph Partini, that changed it into the current, magnificent neo-Gothic fortress, except for the inner courtyard which still retains its medieval and Renaissance look.
...