Rocca di Arignano

At the heart of the Rocca recovery project, beyond the numbers, beyond the building site, and even before any planning, there is the dream of a family. That of Luca Veronelli and Elsa Panini, who have always had a common dream, that of living and working in contact with nature, in a context that had that taste of experience that gives everything a different flavour, far from the narrow spaces of an office and the dull colours of the city. They dreamt of this for themselves and above all for their two children. An enormous privilege is reserved for them. They will be the first to return to running and playing inside those spaces where, for 700 years, nothing but the echo of nature growing up has resounded.

Luca has a past as a company manager, to which he has dedicated the last twenty years of his career, and thanks to which he now has the right mindset to take on the role of Resident Manager of the Rocca.

Elsa is a biologist by training and a cook by passion; her cooking school is entrusted with the task of taking the concept of healthy eating beyond the walls, thanks to the courses open to all, which will enliven the schedule throughout the year.

2016 is the year of change. It was in that summer, in fact, that Elsa Panini and Luca Veronelli read in the pages of a newspaper the news they had been waiting for. After years of searching for a structure that had a story to tell and to bring back to life, that was a place to cook, to organise events, to rest and to experience an emotion, the Rocca di Arignano presented itself in all its poignant beauty to their eyes.

Love blossomed at the first meeting, when they immediately realised the enormous potential of the structure, which had been abandoned for 700 years. The castle was in a truly repulsive state of disrepair and despite numerous visits from prospective buyers, they could not find anyone to take care of it again. Luca and Elsa's eyes are not distracted by the patina of time, so much so that they leave their work activities in the background to devote themselves body and soul to the fortress and its gardens.

A project that requires time, attention and care, because the awakening after a 700-year-long sleep must be gradual and gentle.