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Italian
Romance at CastelBrando
Its beauty unbowed
by the passage of time, CastelBrando offers a harmonious marriage
between medieval mystique and contemporary chic as it reigns over
a 120-acre expanse of verdant parkland in Cison di Valmarino,
which lies less than one hour away from Venice.
In the following interview,
CastelBrando's Executive Director Enrico Mazzocco offers insight
into the castle's wedding packages and romantic activities for
those eager to exchange vows in this portal to the past.
Could you tell our readers about any wedding
packages offered by Castelbrando?
Castelbrando offers a variety of services and packages for weddings,
but the emphasis is on individuality: every wedding is different
and we work closely with the couples to make their wedding truly
original. Some suggestions: A horse and buggy ride up to the castle,
or a vintage sports car for the newlyweds. Or what about dressing
for the wedding in medieval costumes?
One way for the bridal party to relax before
the wedding day is with a trip to the castle's beauty center and
spa. What can guests expect from a day of pampering at Castelbrando's
spa facilities?
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| Photos courtesy CastelBrando |
From manicure and
pedicure, to a relaxing massage, special treatments using honey
or Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic treatment 2000 years old. The guest
lies down on their back and warm oil is slowly poured on the center
of the forehead- the benefits are stress relief headache, insomnia
( great just before a wedding!) and wonderful for the skin and
scalp. We can also provide makeup and a hairdresser for the big
day.
What sites within the castle or on the grounds
of the estate are available for wedding ceremonies?
A wedding can take place on the grounds, in the chapel of San
Martino onsite or in one of our reception areas such as the Teatro
Magno dating from 1500 with scores of historical wedding coats
of arms on the walls, seating 180 guests. For a smaller function
the 18th century rooms are ideal. Other venues have a stage and
dance floor for up to 1000 guests for those wanting to really
go over the top.
Which sites on the property would you recommend
for wedding photos?
The small piazza in front of the chapel of San Martino, the gardens,
the entrance to the woods, the majestic staircase... there are
so many!
What romantic activities are available for
couples at the castle?
A massage for couples in our spa, followed by a swim in our spa
pool, a romantic dinner in one of our suites, a candlelight dinner
in the Sansovino restaurant, castle, a nighttime cablecar ride
down to the town below, a romantic nature walk in the woods surrounding
the castle, a winetasting in a local producer's cellar..or a simple
kiss in one of the hidden corners of our castle.
While Castelbrando is a world unto itself,
complete with shopping areas, restaurants, and museums, what attractions
and activities can you suggest for couples who wish to explore
the surrounding area?
Winetasting tops the list, this area is famous for its Prosecco-
a sparkling white wine that’s usually drunk before dinner
but really good any time. Vineyards in the area are happy to offer
private tours and tastings for guests, accompanied by local salami
and prosciutto. For sports enthusiasts there's canoeing, hiking
and bicycling, you can have your bikes and even a private guide
delivered to the castle.
Is there anything else you would like to
tell our readers about Castelbrando?
The castle is 2000
years old, and there is so much discover in its walls. We've just
opened the Cantina di Ottone, a truly authentic medieval locale,
in one of the oldest parts of the castle. When you walk in you
hear medieval music, and they serve beer, wines and food that
you could have tasted back in the medieval times. Your host is
Alessio, an expert on the period, and his bar has weapons made
by hand that you can touch- did you know that most swords were
not made for slashing, but for bashing-- as in over the head?
-- he'll even let you try on an armoured glove!
There's a beer made from licorice that came from an ancient recipe
that Alessio had produced just for this tavern! Once a month they
host a dinner with recipes that I guarantee you have never tasted,
unless you're over 600 years old that is ...
For
more information:
Special thanks
to Sharla Ault for her assistance with this interview.
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