CASTLE OF GAMBARO

Managed by a lovely italian couple, this is our second time here at Castle of Gambaro. The first time was 5 years ago when the couple just started. Both times have been very pleasant. Normally they prepare dinner also for their guests, and as I remembered the dinner was very very lovely. They went to the forest and picked fresh mushroom and wild ingredients. Unfortunately under Covid, dinner service was unavailable, hopefully next time when we come again.

Enchanted place. Very well-kept structure, excellent food thanks to Mr. Valentine. His wife Clara, a very cordial lady who enchants every time she opens her mouth to tell facts and curiosities about the castle and its surroundings. Very generous with little gifts that cheered our hearts and spirits. Two exquisite people who welcomed us with extreme kindness, making us feel like old friends, or rather, like family. Thank you very much. Lorenzo and Lorraine

History, hospitality, roots and memory at Gambaro castle. "In the middle of a dense forest, a castle gave refuge to those who had been surprised by the night on their journey: knights and ladies, royal processions and simple travellers. I passed over a broken drawbridge...". The incipit of The Castle of Crossed Destinies by Italo Calvino could worthily describe the interior experience of arriving at the castle of Gambaro, a small but enchanting village in the upper Val Nure which preserves a fascinating and seductive testimony, not only of the splendor and of the historical importance of the Malaspina family in the Apennine range that goes from Lunigiana to Val Staffora, but also of an entire social, economic and cultural community. Of a civilization, in short. But here you won't find a bumpy drawbridge to welcome you. On the contrary, your attentive guests will be Mrs. Clara and her husband Valentino, to whom goes the credit of having rescued from a destiny of ruin and oblivion, with determination and with great sacrifices, including economic ones, what remained of the castle that was the heart of the Marquisate of Gambaro for over three centuries. The passion and tenacity with which Valentino and his wife Clara realized the dream of bringing the castle back to life produced a magnificent restoration, historically respectful, but which did not hinder the full usability of the property as a room & breakfast. If the castle "breathes" and lives, it is precisely thanks to the exquisite hospitality that distinguishes Clara and her husband: you will feel welcomed like welcome travelers who bring their stories, their experiences, their desire to know and learn from Clara's voice the historical events of the castle, the marquisate and its territory dating back to the era of Lombard domination (Clara's guided tour is a wonderful journey through time between medieval archaeology, history of the landscape and material culture, conducted with historical rigor, deep love for one's roots and refined speech). Valentino will spoil you for breakfast with his fragrant apple pie and products from a territory truly rich in flavors and specialties. The castle suites are tastefully furnished, impeccably and old-fashioned, the cleanliness and personal hygiene facilities are excellent. The structure is pet friendly (and there are some very discreet and silent feline presences that will cheer up your stay...). Excellent value for money. Excellent base for excursions in the area. A heartfelt THANK YOU to Valentino and Clara for the gift they have given to an already splendid area, both naturalistically and on a historical and artistic level. It is a gift of memory, respect, balance and wisdom.

Managed by a lovely italian couple, this is our second time here at Castle of Gambaro. The first time was 5 years ago when the couple just started. Both times have been very pleasant. Normally they prepare dinner also for their guests, and as I remembered the dinner was very very lovely. They went to the forest and picked fresh mushroom and wild ingredients. Unfortunately under Covid, dinner service was unavailable, hopefully next time when we come again.