Castello della Smilea, Medieval castle and cultural center in Montale, Italy.
Castello della Smilea is a medieval castle in Montale with two tall towers rising from a square base. The exterior walls feature Gothic arches that give the structure its distinctive appearance.
The castle was originally built and controlled by the Panciatichi family until the Florentines seized it in 1466 following an uprising against Medici rule. This event marked a turning point in the structure's ownership and use.
The castle houses works by sculptor Jorio Vivarelli and serves as a space for exhibitions and cultural events. It functions as a living venue where visitors can encounter local artistic expressions and contemporary works.
The castle is located at Via Martiri della Libertà 109 in Montale and remains accessible to visitors regularly. Rotating exhibitions and cultural events happen throughout the year, giving various reasons to visit.
The name Smilea derives from the Latin term 'sex milia', which refers to the distance of about 6 miles from Pistoia. This was a practical designation in ancient times for measuring distance between settlements.
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