NESTLED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OF BORDONCHIO, CASTELLO BENELLI WAS COMMISSIONED BY COUNT PIETRO SPINA IN THE 1800S AND STANDS UPON THE HISTORIC FOUNDATIONS OF A MEDIEVAL CASTLE DATING BACK TO THE 11TH CENTURY AND ACQUIRED BY THE BENELLI FAMILY IN 1917

CASTELLO BENELLI, A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF HISTORY AND POETRY

Bordonchio is a location steeped in historical significance, bearing witness to human habitation dating as far back as the 1st century A.D. Situated along the Via Popilia (or Via Romea), a vital ancient route extending from Rimini to Aquileia, this village once marked the path of Bordunculos. It is believed to have served as a likely post station along the journey, following the path laid out by Consul Popilius Lentate, which closely followed the Adriatic coastline.

The extraordinary pictorial cycle commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and executed in the Vatican on the instructions of cosmographer Ignazio Danti between 1580 and 1585 vividly depicts the village nestled along the tumultuous shores of the Adriatic Sea.

The precise location of the ancient Castrum, or fortification, corresponds to the site where the Villa, which was designed in the style of a castle and erected in the latter half of the 19th century by Count Pietro Spina, now stands. This architectural design harks back to the 15th-century style. Notably, during recent restoration efforts on the building, remnants of an earlier structure were unearthed, forming the basis upon which the new structure was constructed. In 1917, the property was acquired by Ignazio Benelli.

THE STORY OF CASTELLO BENELLI

The new owner made several modifications to the castle, both externally and in terms of the decorative interior spaces, reclaiming the entire ground floor for residential use and connecting it to the two upper floors of the building. Of particular interest and charm is the painted decoration that covers all the walls of the Villa, forming a sort of iconographic repertoire developed in a modern key with motifs taken from the classical and Renaissance traditions.

Together with the courtyard buildings that are distinguished by its spacious portico adjoining the stable section, Castle Benelli represents an exceptional architectural complex. It has consistently upheld a tangible and harmonious connection between its structural elements and the surrounding countryside over the years, demonstrating a subtle balance that is frequently lacking in other contexts, and possessing a unique and captivating formal charm.

Historically, the Castle was dedicated to wine production, while today it focuses on the cultivation of wheat, sunflowers, corn and horticultural plants, with a dynamic agricultural company that has been the recipient of numerous awards.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS IN BELLARIA

The outdoor spaces are ideally suited for hosting open-air events and contribute significantly to the scenic beauty in a historical and artistic context, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

It is also possible to set up part of your special event indoors: the frescoes in each of the rooms are unique and the ceilings and walls have recently been restored.

Since 2023, Castle Benelli has taken on the role of a Civic Venue where civil wedding ceremonies may be conducted.

Castle Benelli is now open to visitors a couple of times a month, offering guided tours with musical accompaniment.

For further details and to reserve your wedding or private event, please consult our website at www.palazzoboncompagni.it/en/.

For details about the prices of reserving a private event, please email us at info@palaazzoboncompagni.it.