In the 1500s, when Europe was ravaged by wars and battles, captains of fortune and their mercenary armies moved from one country to another, selling their services to the highest bidder. Prominent among these commanders was Pio Enea I Obizzi, descendant of a French family long established in Italy and greatly enriched by his military prowess. In 1570, desirous of gaining recognition as a powerful man of class and culture, as well as on the battlefield, he decided to make a huge real estate investment and had the central nucleus of what is now known as Catajo Castle built at Battaglia Terme, in the province of Padua.
In the following centuries the structure underwent continuous extensions and embellishments, so much so that it became one of the most fascinating Italian Renaissance residences. And today it has returned to shine in all its beauty, definitely worth a visit.
Info at www.castellodelcatajo.it