In Tuscany the places at the top of the provisional ranking are the Ex Casino dei Giochi in Bagni di Lucca and the Sammezzano Castle and Park in Reggello
Ah, Tuscany! A land where the wine flows like the Arno, and apparently, people’s love for their cultural heritage flows even faster. The 12th census of “The Places of the Heart” is in full swing, and let me tell you, the enthusiasm is so high you’d think they were voting for the best pizza rather than the best historical sites!
The FAI-Italian Environment Fund, in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo, has reported a staggering 450,000 votes cast already! I mean, that’s more votes than some people get in an entire election cycle. Can you imagine? Naturists and nudists alike could only dream of such turnout for their cause! And voting continues until 10 April 2025, so you have no excuse to stay home. Unless of course, you’ve run out of Wi-Fi.
Now, let’s dive into the meat of the matter. Sit tight, or take a sip of that Chianti—because right now, the star attractions in the Tuscan region are the Ex Casino dei Giochi in Bagni di Lucca and the charming Sammezzano Castle in Reggello. A classic tale of renovation and decay in a flashy, romantic landscape!
So the Ex Casino dei Giochi, that lovely establishment, is currently sitting at 31st in the ranking. It’s like the awkward cousin at a family reunion, who tries so hard to fit in but just can’t manage to grab the spotlight. With a history steeped in more drama than a daytime soap opera, this gambling hall dates back to the Middle Ages and was frequented by a crowd that believed the only thing better than a dip in the spa was a roll of the dice!
Imagine this: The Republic of Lucca allowed gambling inside the Baths. Talk about a two-for-one special! “Hey, honey, let’s get a massage, then place a bet on the next horse that walks by!” If that doesn’t sound like a plan, I don’t know what does! Over the years, the building has transitioned from a hotspot for games and parties to a peeling relic, yearning for renovation. And thankfully, local groups are rallying as we speak, probably with a few bold plans and a shaky ladder or two!
Now, shifting our gaze to the Sammezzano Castle, which unfortunately has been on the decline longer than my New Year’s resolutions! Royal heritage from the Medici era, it’s like Tom Hardy in a superhero film: a beautiful sight and terribly underutilized. The Marquis Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes transformed the castle into an oriental fantasy a century ago, and it truly deserves better than to be featured as a backdrop for desperate Instagram selfies!
This architectural masterpiece boasts twelve reimagined rooms, albeit stripped of its glamorous furnishings and currently resembling a chaotic artist’s studio rather than a castle! It’s already won over hearts in previous years, but the weight of abandonment and failed restoration attempts has left it floundering like a bad reality show contestant. However, whispers of a new owner sniffing around spark hope; could this be the castle’s moment for a grand comeback?
Looking beyond Tuscany, we have the likes of Nunziatella military school in Naples and the charming Ancient Fountain of Gallipoli battling in hot pursuit, not unlike gladiators in the Colosseum. It’s all very dramatic and poetic, and yet perfectly Italian—where history and melodrama serve up a plate full of cultural goodness.
As this census continues, let’s keep our fingers crossed and our votes logged. Who knows which magnificent treasure will shine next in Tuscany? Grab a map and your finest pen, folks—we’re in for a ride!
In Tuscany, leading the provisional ranking are the iconic Ex Casino dei Giochi in Bagni di Lucca and the enchanting Sammezzano Castle and Park in Reggello.
Less than two months following the commencement of the 12th census of “The Places of the Heart”, an initiative spearheaded by the FAI-Italian Environment Fund in partnership with Intesa Sanpaolo, the FAI has noted an unprecedented level of engagement: a remarkable 450,000 votes—both online and via paper ballots—have been collected so far. This represents one of the most successful starts in the twenty-year duration of this program, with voting set to continue until April 10, 2025, on iluoghidelcuore.it and through downloadable paper forms available on the site.
Thousands of passionate individuals have nominated more than 20,000 locations up to now, with many actively organizing campaigns to rally support for their favorite sites in the ongoing census.
The current leader in Tuscany, occupying the 31st position in the general ranking, is the historic Ex Casino dei Giochi in Bagni di Lucca (LU). This location boasts a deep historical significance intertwined with the spa facilities for which the town is renowned, frequented since the Middle Ages. The Republic of Lucca historically permitted gambling within the Baths, enabling the proceeds to contribute to the maintenance of the luxurious establishment. As early as the 1331 Statute of the Municipality of Lucca, regulations governing gambling were established, and by the 16th century, women were granted unprecedented access to the gaming tables without the need for male escorts. In the early 19th century, Duke Carlo Ludovico di Borbone decided to relocate gambling activities to the bustling carriage road, lined with hotels and social venues, leading to the construction of the existing neoclassical structure in 1839. This building features several elegantly decorated rooms that not only hosted games but also served as venues for dances, musical performances, and literary events. However, following the annexation of the Duchy of Lucca to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany under Leopold II in 1847, gambling became prohibited. The dedicated committee “United for the Casino of Bagni di Lucca” is participating in the 2024 census, hopeful that necessary restoration efforts for the building will soon commence.
In second place stands the captivating Sammezzano Castle and Park in Reggello (FI), currently ranked 58th overall. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge during the Medici era, the property was acquired in 1605 by the Ximenes of Aragon. Its present form—from the latter half of the 19th century—can be attributed to the visionary Marquis Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes, a key figure in Florentine cultural and political circles, who entirely redesigned the castle in a striking orientalist style. This design transformation rendered it a one-of-a-kind architectural work in Italy, with few peers on the international stage. The Marquis created a reimagining of Moorish architectural gems, specifically revamping 13 rooms on the first floor, while enhancing the expansive park with an array of diverse tree species. Sadly, the castle now stands stripped of its original furnishings and is sinking into further disrepair. A past winner of the 2016 census and second place holder in 2020, it has captured the attention of two dedicated committees advocating for its revival over the years. Once entangled in a web of failed judicial auctions and unfulfilled restoration project announcements, hopes were reignited in the summer of 2024 with news of a potential new owner, raising optimism for a much-anticipated revitalization and eventual return of this significant edifice to the public.
At the national level, the provisional ranking showcases the most voted places, including the Nunziatella military school in Naples, the Ancient Fountain of Gallipoli (LE), and the sixteenth-century Church of San Giorgio in the picturesque village of Tellaro in Lerici (SP).
Here are the places at the top of the provisional ranking:
* Military school and Nunziatella Church in Naples
* Ancient Fountain of Gallipoli (LE)
* Church of San Giorgio in the village of Tellaro in Lerici (SP)
* Feltre Castle (BL)
* Villa Bonelli in Barletta (BT)
* Hermitage of Santa Rosalia alla Quisquina in Monte Quisquina (AG)
* Mangiabarche lighthouse in Calasetta (SU)
* Acqui and the Acquese in Acqui Terme (AL)
* Grotta del Cervo, Pietrasecca Caves nature reserve in Carsoli (AQ)
* Pian della Mussa in Balme (TO)
**Interview with Cultural Enthusiast, Marco Rossi, on Tuscany’s Heritage Census**
**Host:** Good morning, Marco! Thanks for joining us today to discuss Tuscany’s rich cultural landscape.
**Marco:** Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to talk about Tuscany, a region I absolutely adore.
**Host:** So, tell us, what’s the latest buzz regarding the “12th census of The Places of the Heart”?
**Marco:** The enthusiasm is palpable! We’ve seen over 450,000 votes already cast, which is extraordinary. It truly shows how much people care about preserving our cultural heritage. It feels like everyone is involved, as if they’re voting on a favorite dish rather than historical sites!
**Host:** That’s incredible! And what can you tell us about the leading contenders in Tuscany?
**Marco:** Right now, the Ex Casino dei Giochi in Bagni di Lucca and the Sammezzano Castle in Reggello are leading the provisional rankings. It’s quite a charming competition!
**Host:** Let’s start with the Ex Casino dei Giochi. It seems to have a colorful history.
**Marco:** Absolutely! Dating back to the Middle Ages, this historic gambling hall was integrated into the famous spa culture of Bagni di Lucca. Imagine people relaxing in spa baths before placing bets! It’s like a unique slice of history that offers insight into the lives of those who frequented it.
**Host:** But it’s quite a contrast from its glory days, isn’t it?
**Marco:** Yes, sadly, the building has fallen into disrepair. Yet, there’s a bright spark of hope; local groups are actively working towards its restoration. It’s a bit like a family member trying to find their place at a reunion!
**Host:** And moving on to the Sammezzano Castle, can you share its story?
**Marco:** The Sammezzano Castle is simply enchanting! Originally a hunting lodge, it was transformed into a breathtaking example of orientalist architecture by the Marquis Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes. Unfortunately, it’s been underutilized for years and suffers from neglect, which is heartbreaking for such a masterpiece.
**Host:** Is there any hope for its future?
**Marco:** There is! Recently, murmurs suggest a new owner is interested in the castle, which could lead to its much-needed revival. It would be fantastic to see it restored to its former glory, both for heritage’s sake and for future visitors.
**Host:** What do you think this census means for the preservation of Tuscan history?
**Marco:** It symbolizes a rallying cry for pride in our heritage. As more people contribute their voices through voting, we’re not just preserving buildings, but also keeping stories alive. Tuscany is a cradle of art, culture, and history, and it’s vital to cherish and safeguard it.
**Host:** You have such passion, Marco! It’s inspiring to hear. Any final thoughts for our listeners?
**Marco:** I encourage everyone to participate! Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, your vote counts. Together, we can ensure Tuscany’s historical treasures are protected for generations to come.
**Host:** Thank you so much for your insights, Marco! Let’s keep celebrating Tuscany and its incredible history.
**Marco:** Thank you for having me! Let’s raise a glass of Chianti to that!
