Italy has a unique artistic heritage. However, many of its ‘gems' not only get left in storage, far from sight, but they're often left in neglectful conditions. One of these is Sammezzano Castle, a masterpiece of 19th century “orientalist” art (so much so that critics compared it to the Sistine Chapel), with a park that nearly covers 200 hectares.

The Castle is the best-loved place among the 1.5 million people who voted in the Italian Environmental Fund (FAI)'s 8th “Places of the Heart” census. From 2003 to today, 68 sites in 15 Italian regions—including churches, castles, archaeological and natural areas, museums, and historical, religious, civil, and military buildings—have been “saved”, thanks to “Places of the Heart”.