€3.5m Ravenna, Italy. Castle For Sale with Commercial Potential
This Castle near Ravenna, Italy is for sale with Fabrizzio Fazzolari
The Castle of the Duchy of Fabriago, located in the province of Ravenna in Santa Maria in Fabriago, Lugo, is a historical estate originally constructed in 1600 and later expanded in the late 19th century by Count Galeazzo Massari. Spanning around 3,000 square meters, this impressive castle is surrounded by a 4,000-square-meter park with ancient trees, adding to its historical charm. The castle includes three frescoed ballrooms: one on the ground floor and two on the first, with access to a balcony above the ground floor hall, giving the estate a grand ambiance fit for luxurious events.
Historically, the area around Santa Maria in Fabriago was known for the Zanotti workshops between 1600 and 1700, which produced weapons for the Este family. By the 18th century, the building’s purpose had evolved under the Rondinelli family, with public and private spaces developed to accommodate guests. This transformation from a simple country house into a leisure and entertainment venue included a grand reception room, reflecting the castle’s growing role as a prestigious venue for social gatherings and events. The changes in design and function underscore its suitability as a hospitality and events location.
While currently unused, the castle’s historic appeal and spacious layout make it an excellent choice for the hospitality industry, especially for weddings, banquets, exhibitions, and meetings. The structure’s configuration and aesthetic charm align well with the requirements of high-end hotel operations or Relais & Châteaux-style accommodations. Given its historical designation, the property is exempt from certain municipal taxes (IMU) and maintains potential for transformation within certain preservation guidelines, allowing flexibility for conversion into a hotel, corporate headquarters, or upscale residential property.
The castle is equipped with necessary infrastructure, including a fire-fighting system and connections for utilities (electricity, water, gas, telephone, sewerage), making it nearly ready for operational use. The property offers additional expansion possibilities as permitted by local urban planning laws. Given its unique history, scale, and charm, the asking price invites upward offers, with the property positioned as a prime asset for those in hospitality, events, or luxury residential sectors.