Visit Sanzeno

The aristocratic past

Sanzeno is a palimpsest inside of which the historic processes have settled to generate an overlapping of geometries, distances and memories. The Renaissance as well left behind significant tokens of historic and artistic value. Indeed, several noble families settled in Val di Non between the 15^th and 18^th centuries and this marked a period of fundamental importance for the valley. It was an age commonly called the “aristocratic” age.
Noble palazzos and homes on this side of the valley (Sanzeno, Revò, Don, Campodenno, Coredo and Sarnonico) are today a cultural route of absolute value.

Casa de Gentili

Casa de Gentili stands on the main square of Sanzeno, closing it on the north.
The name comes from the family that lived there for several centuries, the Gentili, who were amongst the most prominent and oldest families of the Tyrol. The Gentili descended from one “Albertus” known as “gentil” of Denno, and also boasted descent from the Gentili family of Camerino in the Marches.
The high altar of Basilica dei Santi Martiri in Sanzeno, a work by Domenico Taliani, was commissioned to be built in 1770 by brothers Francesco Antonio and Giovanni Michele de Gentili de Worz, as is seen engraved in the plaque embedded in the wall to the right of the presbytery.
Casa de Gentili therefore combines historic value with its remarkable architectural worth.
Its foundation is surely very old, as is the entire historic town centre of Sanzeno. The first extensive works can be dated to 1569, as is proven by a date engraved inside the palazzo, but its final conversion dates to the end of the 17^th century with the creation of a very elegant aristocratic residence having round arches, decorated main doors, windows with three lights and balcony in carved stone, and elaborate iron bars.
The palazzo has practically remained intact since the end of the 17^th century. There are two dates in an incomparable position on the front overlooking the square: 1673 and 1694. A surprise awaits inside: integral furnishings that can be sorted into two large groups. One a set of furniture, paintings and accessories of an aristocratic family of Non of the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th centuries, and the second is the work environment of a pharmacist-herbalist (the last of the de Gentili family).
The two groups play an important role in the history of Val di Non. The first group is basically made up of a family picture gallery (added to which are 72 watercolours by Kirchner painted in 1920 that illustrate the castles and fortified residences of the Noce Valleys) and a set of chests and furniture from different periods. The second group symbolically starts in the garden with the herbs and medicinal plants, continues with the drying house for the plants and ends with the pharmacist’s counter.
Not to be forgotten is the library, which attests to the scientific preparation of a pharmacist who worked between the Italian and German worlds with a marked interest in natural science. Still inside we can admire additional elements such as a beautiful set of officinal jars, mortars and alembics, a collection of old locks (some from the 16^th century), kitchen utensils and earthenware.
Casa de Gentili, today owned by the Municipality of Sanzeno, will soon open up its beauties to the public following a period of restoration (picture and text Fabio Bartolini).