Situated near the Tuscan coast the castle of Malespina in Fosdinovo has a commanding view over the mountain pass to Parma. The history of this military stronghold goes back to the 11th century. In the 19th century the castle was enlarged and transformed into a more comfortable house. The walls and the ceilings were frescoed by Gaetano Bianchi.

Gothic Line

During World War II, the Castello Malespina was bombed by the allies as it lay on the Gothic Line along the Apennines. Much of the interior painting was damaged. More than half a century later Alexander Hamilton was commissioned to repaint the missing sections.

Imitate the original

Using the remaining decoration as the model, very little had to be invented, but the process had to imitate the original decoration to the last paint brush stroke, otherwise the difference in styles would be apparent.

High up on the scaffold

The size of the ornamentation was challenging, and it was a struggle at times, being so high up the scaffold and feeling cold, however no one could spot the difference in the end which made it all very satisfactory.

The Castello Malespina in Fosdinovo is open to visitors, so you can inspect our work in person!