Legal Dispute Over Pasolini's Torre di Chia in Tuscia
The Torre di Chia, the final home of poet and filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini, is currently involved in a legal battle concerning private ownership and cultural heritage. Pasolini acquired the medieval tower in 1970 and collaborated with Dante Ferretti and Ninfo Burruano on a nearby house. Following his passing in 1975, his cousin Graziella Chiarcossi took over management. The property gained heritage protection in 2001. In 2020, the heirs attempted to sell it to the state, which refused. Actor Gabriele Gallinari bought it in February 2021, intending to restore it and allow public access. However, in 2022, the University Agraria di Chia asserted civic rights, prompting legal proceedings against Gallinari, while the Lazio Region initiated expropriation amidst ownership disputes.
Key facts
- Pasolini purchased the Torre di Chia in 1970.
- The tower is located in Soriano nel Cimino, Tuscia, Italy.
- Pasolini wrote parts of 'Lettere luterane' and worked on 'Petrolio' there.
- The property was placed under heritage protection in 2001.
- In 2020, heirs tried to sell to the state, but the state declined pre-emption.
- Gabriele Gallinari bought the tower in February 2021.
- In 2022, the University Agraria di Chia claimed civic use rights.
- A commissioner ordered reintegration to the Lazio Region and annulled the 2021 contract.
- The region initiated an expropriation process in June 2026.
- Lawyer Elena Provenzani represents Gallinari and highlights the paradox of using Pasolini's name for tourism while contesting ownership.
Entities
Artists
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Dante Ferretti
- Ninfo Burruano
- Gabriele Gallinari
- Graziella Chiarcossi
Institutions
- Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali
- Sovrintendenza
- Università Agraria di Chia
- Regione Lazio
- Comune di Soriano nel Cimino
- Artribune
- Viterbo Today
- ANSA
- Dire
Locations
- Torre di Chia
- Soriano nel Cimino
- Tuscia
- Viterbo
- Lazio
- Italy
- Bologna
- Ostia