ANCIENT MARQUIS PALACE

The magnificent Palazzo Marchionale, named Castello dei Marchesi Moscheni in memory of the noble family that had it built in the second half of the 17th century and who also lived there in the following centuries, is located at the highest point of the historical centre of the town of Bergamasco and stands on the medieval defence walls of the ancient village. The Palazzo Marchionale has been owned by stage designer Carlo Leva since the second half of the last century, and he used his expertise to renovate it. It consists of a single main body. Its northern façade flanks Via IV Novembre, while to the south it overlooks the hanging garden that stands on the medieval wall with round arches above. This garden, in the shape of a quadrilateral, occupies a total area of about 430 square metres and contains various plant species. There are two towers, one adjacent to the palace and the other on the wall, on the edge of the garden, where there is also an ancient well. The building consists of two above-ground floors plus two mezzanine floors, an attic and a basement. The total area is approximately 1250 square metres, of which approximately 800 are currently residential. On the ground floor there is a splendid portico with columns and frescoed ceilings. We then enter fascinating, elegantly furnished halls such as the billiard room, the dining room, the room with the fireplace and the bright traditional kitchen. An internal corridor leads to the marquises' private church, characterised by 17th-century decorations. A wide staircase with frescoed walls provides access to the first floor of the palace. Here we find rooms with bathrooms and lounges with a southern view of the countryside. The two mezzanine floors currently represent the main sleeping area of the building. On the first mezzanine there is a large bedroom with a terrace and a bathroom. On the second mezzanine there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The staircase finally leads to the spacious attic floor. Here we have access to a panoramic terrace and there are also several dormer windows with an unobstructed view of the valley. The available space is considerable and allows for numerous rooms with bathrooms and service rooms. There is still the basement, with impressive cellars with vaults made of old brick. The Palazzo dei Marchesi Moscheni now houses a collection of film-related objects that Carlo Leva has collected over 60 years of work in the world of cinema. These include, for example, Claudia Cardinale's bed in the film Once Upon a Time in the West. The rooms are filled with objects and furnishings from famous films directed by directors such as Sergio Leone and Dario Argento and in which actors who have made international cinema history worked. The atmosphere inside the rooms is enchanting. A careful renovation could lead to the realisation of an exclusive Boutique Hotel or a prestigious Relais where, in addition to the usual services, guests could be offered the chance to take a dip into the history of cinema of the past, particularly in the films of the 'Spaghetti Western' genre.