Castello Bufalini's 17th-century hedge labyrinth opens to public before 2026 restoration
The 14th-century Castello Bufalini, situated in Umbria's Alta Valle del Tevere, is set to receive a €2.5 million restoration, supported by Italy's Ministry of Culture. This fortress, which belonged to the Bufalini family until 1989, is home to one of the oldest hedge labyrinths in Europe, established in 1692 and spanning 670 square meters. Guided tours of the labyrinth will be available from April to October 2024. The garden, redesigned by Giovanni di Alesso and Vignola, features seven thematic sections. Restoration efforts, led by Milan's Migliore+Servetto studio, are scheduled to commence in 2025 and conclude in 2026, improving accessibility and highlighting frescoes by Cristoforo Gherardi. Originally a Ghibelline fortification, it was rebuilt by Niccolò di Manno Bufalini after its late 15th-century destruction.
Key facts
- Castello Bufalini is a 14th-century fortress in Umbria's Alta Valle del Tevere
- The hedge labyrinth is one of Europe's oldest, planted in 1692 with boxwood
- Labyrinth opened for extraordinary tours April–October 2024 (every third Sunday, max 10 people)
- Two cypress trees flanking the labyrinth entrance were planted on November 4, 1694, and still survive
- Restoration project by Migliore+Servetto starts 2025, ends 2026, funded with €2.5 million from Ministry of Culture
- Project covers 1,470 square meters including cellars, courtyard, and loggia
- Frescoes by Cristoforo Gherardi restored and visible from August 2024
- Castle owned by Bufalini family until 1989, now state-owned and museum
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni di Alesso detto Nanni Unghero
- Vignola
- Cristoforo Gherardi
- Ico Migliore
- Mara Servetto
Institutions
- Castello Bufalini
- Ministero della Cultura
- Migliore+Servetto
- Repubblica Fiorentina
- Dotti di Sansepolcro
- Bufalini family
- Artribune
Locations
- Umbria
- Alta Valle del Tevere
- Toscana
- San Giustino
- Città di Castello
- Anghiari
- Sansepolcro
- Milan