PALAZZO DEL GATTO. PRESTIGIOUS RESIDENCE BETWEEN ART, HISTORY AND NATURE

All of this is distributed on a plot of land measuring approximately 4000 square meters, laid out on two levels. It hosts a wide garden providing the property with a panoramic view of the splendid verdant countryside of this Sabina corner. Further down, there are a synergistic vegetable garden, fruit trees, olive trees and a rose garden.
The palace, called Palazzo del Gatto, boasts a rich history. In fact, it was originally inhabited by one of the oldest and most important families of the city, who used it as their representative residence. It owes its name to the presence of the remains of a cat, which probably sneaked into the underground cellar of the palace and found its end there, becoming trapped. This peculiar trace fascinated the writer Luis Sepulveda so much that he made it the protagonist of one of his famous stories. Over the years, the palace has been transformed by a cultural association that promotes many activities in Sabina into a residence for artists, who could stay here and work on their works, with the wonderful setting of the mansion and its large outdoor space. Over the years, it has been the beating heart of numerous cultural initiatives and residencies for international artists who have chosen Casaprota as the place for their projects.
The residence, which partly maintains its original spaces, objects and furniture, is distributed on two levels and overlooks one of the main streets of Casaprota’s historic center.
On the ground floor, measuring approximately 169 square meters, we find the entrance area that leads, on either side, to two living rooms, one of which has a fireplace, characterized by terracotta floors and antique marble tiles, and ceilings with stucco decorations. A few steps up lead to the masonry kitchen. At the end, there is a space used as a craft workshop, which also has two direct entrances from the outside, one from the garden and one from the street, and a bedroom. From this level, descending a staircase, the cellar housing wooden barrels and antique agricultural implements can be reached. A first basement room leads to the actual underground caves, dug into the stone.
On the other hand, climbing the staircase, there can be found an intermediate level and a first very large bathroom, with a shower and external view. Going up further, there is the first floor, which houses four large bedrooms, overlooking the historic center, two of which have a small balcony, followed by two bathrooms, and a large living room in the center.
All the rooms are very bright and are characterized by ancient elements, such as the terracotta floors in different color tones and the partly frescoed ceilings. The recovery and enhancement of the palazzo’s original elements are evident in these spaces and give the property a special charm, maintaining that ancient flavor that reflects its origins.
Inside the property, there is also a warehouse used as a workshop, complete with a bathroom and a technical room for the boiler. Continuing along the garden there is a building for rural use on two levels, overlooked by a 17th-century tower in need of renovation, that is connected to an external well-cistern. Although these rooms need to be restored, they have a great charm, due to their particular position and the open, panoramic view of the countryside that can be enjoyed from here. An old stable, that is now reduced to ruins, completes the property.
The building is part of a cultural and eno-gastronomic context of great relevance. Indeed, the municipality of Casaprota, that is enclosed between the Salaria river, the Farfa river and the slopes of the Sabine Mountains, is located in that part of the province of Rieti that brings together the most picturesque rural municipalities of the Upper Sabina Union.
While maintaining the typical tranquility of the medieval villages of upper Lazio, Rieti is the annual site of art events, shows and festivals aimed at promoting rural and food-and-wine tourism in Sabina. As a matter of fact it is included in the itinerary of the Strada dell’olio e dei Prodotti Tipici Locali (Route of olive oil and typical local products), created through the synergy of the local municipal administrations, on which olive mills and olive groves stand in a context rich in artistic, cultural and natural heritage.
Nearby there are interesting naturalistic excursions, such as the Farfa Gorges, declared a Natural Monument in June 2007, the fascinating Roman Bridge, the Sanctuary of Santa Vittoria dating back to the 3rd century A.D., the Roman amphitheatre of Trebula Mutuesca and the incredible Pozze del Diavolo (Devil’s Pools).
The property lends itself to being lived in all year round, or alternatively, can be considered as an investment for tourism and accommodation purposes, as it is located an hour’s drive from Rome and about 25 km from the Fara Sabina railway station.