The unpublished tour of the villa (for sale) that hosted Galileo Galilei

The hunting lodge where Galileo Galilei stayed

In typical Umbrian style, the residence which then belonged to Benedetto Gelosi (as evidenced by the historical documents preserved in the Spoleto library), incorporates a property including a private park which extends for 95 hectares. Private panorama which includes hills, woods, olive groves and natural springs.

The precious green space, which makes "Tenuta Galileo" even more peculiar, has a structure preserved from the original layout. The external space is in fact organized on three levels developed around two dovecote towers, connected by a suspended gallery.

The interiors, however, as majestic today as they were then, have 6 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.

A jewel rediscovered

Currently owned by the nobles Leonetti Luparini of Spoleto - former owners of the building in the town center, now home to municipal offices - the residence is known as Tenuta Galileo precisely because of its history historians that characterize it.

In fact, there are several frescoed rooms that testify to the presence of the Italian scientist. An example of this is the 'Galileo's study' located on the first floor of the structure, which takes its name from the living room of Galileo who slept in this room.

On the second floor, however, an equally peculiar environment, which has remained intact, features some scenes from the Bible painted by the Spaniard on the internal walls.

Meticulously restored by the current owners, the residence has large and sumptuous rooms complete with original floors, arches, fountains and period fireplaces.

Finally, a further gem is the 17th century chapel also included in the estate, also decorated with frescoes.

Who is Benedetto Gelosi, first owner

When the scientist Galileo Galileo stayed at the estate, this Umbrian Casino di Caccia belonged, as mentioned above, to Benedetto Gelosi, a then well-known Spoleto merchant who had the estate built in 1580.

Known in the academic field due to his interactions with one of the founders of the Accademia dei Lincei (Giovanni Van Eck), Gelosi hosted Galileo during his stays at the nearby Acquasparta palace of Prince Federico Cesi.