Wedding Italy - Castello Praja

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Inside of Castle      The Castle Story       Feature List

 

Outside of Castle

 

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The Castle From The Gardens

 

Here are some words from one couple, Kiyomi & Lee,  which perhaps describes the castle experience the best:

"We chose Castello Praja as the place we would pledge our eternal love.   What a choice we made!!  In the dictionary under the word picturesque, it says, see Castello Praja.  The castle was not only exquisite, but the castle’s family literally treated us like royalty.  From the moment we arrived at Castello Praja, we were waited on hand and foot, fed extraordinary cuisine, and treated to guided tours of the spectacular region in Praia a Mare and the surrounding villages.  We simply cannot say enough wonderful things about the family of Castello Praja and the property itself.  We were in heaven during our week stay at the castle and Kiyomi’s parents can now brag about their stint as the Lord and Lady of Castello Praja.

Our wedding, on the turrets of Castello Praja overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on a perfect spring afternoon, is something that not only Kiyomi and I will talk about for the rest of our lives, but our guests will as well.  Our goal was an intimate wedding adventure, and we succeeded with a quaint wedding ceremony in Italian and English translation, fabulous sights, adventurous photographers and guests, and incredible food to keep our stomachs’ happy.  Silvia and Luigi, the photographers, took us around the town and port of Maratea and produced a fabulous album and DVD.  We are incredibly thankful to Silvia and Luigi for their hard work and creativity.  The entire experience at Castello Praja was fabulous.  Everyone left the castle with memories that will be forever etched in their minds and hearts.  And Kiyomi and I have a sneaky suspicion that we will be back someday to renew our memories.  Castello Praja is just that beautiful and special."

 

 

Inside The Castle

 

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The Living Room

 

 

 

 

The Castle's Story

Enchantment, History, Romance

“La Praja di Praia a Mare” is a 13th century castle of magnificent defensive military architecture.   It amazingly retains its original character.

The castle had two major military roles.  First, as was common in medieval Italy, it was used as a base in the feud between two local families.   The triumphant family of that feud, the Marchesi family, still owns and periodically uses the castle today.   Second,  the castle supported the Christian alliance of the Byzantines and the Longobards in their successful struggles against the Saracens - helping to save European Christianity.

Although in years of old the function of Castello Praja was military,  today it is simply romance.   Perched on a rock overlooking the sea,  the mountains and the town of Praia a Mare, the awesome warrior  might of the castle walls are mellowed by acres of gardens and trees.   Situated amidst this verdant softness and rays of yellow sunlight waits a small simple wedding chapel - it waits to bestow its ancient blessings on couples beginning new lives, beginning new chapters, beginning new histories.

Epic history, stunning medieval castle architecture, and 360 degree panoramic views aside,  there is FILOMENA.  She has been welcoming and caring for the Marchesi family and their guests for, well, decades.   Her smile and hugs (and the author will testify) ignites pure Italian warmth and hospitality.  And, if you ask, she will demonstrate the art of making intricate pastas by hand (pasta fatto a mano).

The castle with its public rooms and courtyards has 8 bedrooms (one single) and seven bathrooms.

The Marchesi family and Filomena awaits you.

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Feature List

Filomena will give afternoon cooking lessons and pasta making demonstrations -  €15/person for 2 hours.

 

 Features

Comments

Type of Dwelling 13 Century Military Castle
Maximum Number of People 16
Number of Guest Bedrooms 8 bedrooms (one room is small), two with fireplace.   One is a honeymoon suite that has a small kitchen and private patio
Number of Bathrooms 7
Living Room with large stone fireplace
Dining Room Yes
Courtyards 2
Kitchens 3 total

1 antique kitchen with fireplace, 1 modern kitchen with living area and fireplace, 1 (small) in  honeymoon suite

Types of Views Sea and Mountains and the town of Praia a Mare
Town Location Praia a Mare
Swimming Pool No
Fireplaces 5
Quality of Decor Good
Historical Significance Included in the Italian National Building Registry
Breakfast Included
Maid Services Optional
Cooking Services Optional
Is Car Required? Yes
On Site Management Yes
Central Heating No
Air Conditioning No
Washing Machine Yes
Television Yes
Telephone No
Other Features of Note Private chapel and other historic buildings on property,

Roof-top terrace