Given the wild country they ruled and the warlike attitude of their defiant ancestry, they have been more on the military side than on the political one.This reflects the way he has recently promoted Castagneto, making it the third best known Tuscan place abroad after Florence and Siena. Of course, the conspicous presence of his illustrious guest the Duchess of York has helped, but the resourceful initiatives of the Count have always aimed to increase attention towards Maremma and its historical values.
Take the "Castagneto Day", for instance, the annual main event of the area which attracts crowds of distinguished visitors and a substantial press attendance. It is a cultural initiative , a business enterprise and a glamorous social occasion to boost the Tuscan country spirit and resource.
It reminds one of the merry atmosphere of the ancient tournaments, also because lot of horses are involved, as well as knights, in their updated local version, the "butteri": Italian cow boys who tend the cattle in Maremma.
"Next year we will bring here the gauchos from the Argentinian pampas" he states" and there will be a second day open to the public according to a monitored scheme." "Everything to everybody" is not the motto of count Gaddo who is against the new invaders, namely "mass tourism".
"Tourists are welcome but they should be educated and diluted" he says" the many charming towns and villages such as Massa Marittima, Suvereto, Pirli, Bolgheri, Gavorrano are worth visiting and admiring, but not to be trampled by packs of people pouring out from a horde of coaches.
They should plan intelligent packages of alternative itineraries to lead visitors from town to town, hosted in attractive country style hotels. This is a land of great beauty, vast spaces, suggestive memories, enchanting flavours and superlative food and wine.
Let's try not to waste the gifts of Nature and the efforts gone into preserving them." Preserving and restoring, reviving and promoting is just what he is doing, with the help of his sister Sibilla and his brother Manfredi, to bring the Castagneto Castle back to its ancient splendour.
The imposing building is infact the perfect setting for exhibitions in the elegant restored halls and the suggestive stage for theatrical evenings. There will soon be guided tours by Gaddo himself for the "Historic Dwelling Association" and the manor will be open for other cultural events to the profit and benefit of the family and the neighborhood "This is a place of good vibrations" he declares " you can't help but feel at ease and fall in love with it."
The same opinion probably shared by Sarah Ferguson who apparently experiences in full such vibrations, fondly relishing the peaceful environment and happily enjoying the warm hospitality at Castagneto, where she is expected to spend part of the Christmas Holidays with her daughters.
Author:
Margherita Calderoni
http://www.italia-online.co.uk/article.php?story=gaddo_della_gherardesca