Villa Castello Smilea
Ancient Panciatichi fortress at Montale, now a cultural centre with a library, a permanent exhibition by the sculptor Jorio Vivarelli and a route on the Second World War.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Smilea stands at the mouth of the Agna valley, along the ancient route of the Via Cassia Clodia, about six miles from Pistoia. The name probably derives from “sex milia” (six miles). It was built in the second half of the 14th century on earlier structures with defensive functions, and in 1427 it is documented as property of the Panciatichi family, who enlarged it with a porticoed courtyard, giving the fortress the character of a noble villa. In 1611 it passed to the Covoni, a Florentine family, who turned it into a villa-farm. In the 20th century it served as a convalescent home during the First World War and as a shelter for displaced people.
The Municipality of Montale acquired the complex in 2003 and, after restorations begun in 2004, returned it to the citizens in 2008. The building has two towers, a large square body, a 15th-century portico overlooking the courtyard with an old well, and, on the main floor, two rooms with 18th-century frescoes and trompe-l'oeil landscapes.
Today the villa is a cultural centre. It houses the municipal library “Michele Fiesoli”, the municipal historical archive, a permanent exhibition dedicated to the sculptor and graphic artist Jorio Vivarelli, born in Montale, and spaces for exhibitions and events. In the restored cellars is the route “Un corridoio nella storia” (A Corridor in History) on local history during the Second World War (1940–1945).
Highlights
- 14th-century Panciatichi fortress with two towers
- Permanent exhibition of the sculptor Jorio Vivarelli
- Route “Un corridoio nella storia” (A Corridor in History) on the Second World War, in the cellars
- Rooms with 18th-century frescoes and trompe-l'oeil landscapes
- Porticoed courtyard with a well
Permanent exhibitions
- Esposizione permanente di Jorio Vivarelli – Works by the sculptor and graphic artist Jorio Vivarelli, born in Montale, displayed in the rooms of the villa.
- Un corridoio nella storia – Route through the restored cellars on local history during the Second World War (1940–1945), planned until 2029.
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- Comune di Montale
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission (Visit Pistoia).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group, school and individual visits to the route “Un corridoio nella storia” by reservation, including on public holidays. The route is planned until 2029. |
