Castello di Santa Eurasia
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The Castello di Santa Eurasia is a former castle on Monte Tezio near Ponte Pattoli in Umbria, Italy. It was built in the 15th century and is owned by the Russian billionaire businessman and former KGB spy Alexander Lebedev and his son Evgeny.[1] The Lebedevs have hosted numerous parties at the house, and visitors have included prominent politicians and celebrities, including the former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The villa has been monitored by Italian intelligence agencies over concerns that it has been used for espionage purposes. Lebedev also owns the nearby Palazzo Terranova.
The castle was known as Castello di Procopio, and was renamed Castello di Santa Eurasia by Evgeny Lebedev.[2] It is located prominently on the mountain, Monte Tezio, near Ponte Pattoli.[2] The building dates from the 15th century.[2] It has portcullis gates, and is 30,000 sq ft in size.[2]
Interior and renovation
The house was decorated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard during 2011 at a cost of €10 million.[2][3] Bullard said that Evgeny Lebedev had instructed him to create an interior that was "layered" and looked as if the castle and its possessions had been accumulated over many years and that the " ... driving force was his passion for the area — we spent weekends touring nearby castles and palazzos".[2]
Architect Domenico Minchilli renovated the structure of the castle over two years, rebuilding walls and removing rubble. The facade of the castle has remained unaltered. The house has seven guest suites set over three floors with a large principal suite. It also features a gym, hammam and a spa. An emerald oblong pool is situated amidst gardens of jasmine and lavender.[2] The castle has handmade furniture and ironwork with hand painted wooden ceilings.[2] Notable furniture and objet d'art include "17th-century Flemish fireplaces, religious art — including a complete series of the Stations of the Cross, which sombrely adorns one stairwell — 18th-century banqueting tables and armoires, and Peruvian monks' chairs".[2] Individual suites include the Cardinal's Suite, the Corona Room, the Icon Room and the Infanta Suite.[2]
The chapel of the castle is dedicated to Santa Eurasia.[2]