Projects

2022 Restoration Project

Nestled in the center of historic Bergamo, Palazzo Moroni is a 17th century urban aristocratic palace.

Construction of the Palazzo began in 1636 following the wedding of Francesco Moroni toLucrezia Roncalli. It took nearly 30 years to build the palace, which consists of three floors and mezzanines and nearly five acres of floral and vegetables gardens.

The interior of the palace is rich with frescoes and reflects the tastes of the various generations who lived there. The first set was created by Cremasque painter Giangiacomo Barbelli, who decorated the walls and ceilings in the mid 1600’s.

A second phase of decoration took place in the 19th century, when Alessandro Moroni commissioned trompe-l’oeil stuccoes featuring fanciful subjects of the classical and exotic world. The palace is also home to an exceptional art collection, which is the result of generations of art lovers in the Moroni family.

2020 Restorations

In 2020, Friends of FAI chosen to support two projects: Casa Bortoli and Negozio Olivetti. Both in Venice, these properties were damaged during the 2019 flooding and required extensive repairs.

CASTELLO DELLA MANTA- CUNEO

2019 Restoration 

This enchanting 15th-century castle, silhouetted against the majestic Cuneo Alps, is home to some of Italy’s most magnificent frescoes.  Castello della Manta was originally a 13th-century fortress and was transformed into a lavish family home by Valerano, the ruler of the Marquisate of Saluzzo, in the 15^th century. Donated to FAI by Elisabetta De Rege in 1985, Castello della Manta is colorful, elegant, historically rich, and brimming with frescoes that tell stories of courtly love, chivalry, and both aristocratic and village life in 15^th century Italy.

2018 Restoration 

The Abbazia di San Fruttuoso is located in Capodimonte, in a narrow bay that opens southward on the rocky coast of Mount Portofino. A small jewel with a very old story, the Abbey was generously donated to Fondo Ambiente Italiano by Frank and Orietta Pogson Doria Pamphili. In addition to its splendid natural and panoramic setting, the Abbey has noteworthy architectural and historical value – an admirable combination, in which nature’s work has complemented man’s.

2017 Restoration

The Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate is one of the most significant Romanesque heritage sites in Puglia. Founded by King Tancred of Hauteville in the 12th century after a divine revelation, the Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate has been home to religious orders, agricultural workers, and a host of others over the course of its fascinating history. With it’s rich cultural and agricultural patrimony, the Abbazia is one of Southern Italy’s most precious treasures.

2016 Restoration

Located on the western shore of Lake Como, the splendid 18th century Villa del Balbianello is perched on the point of the Dosso di Lavedo, a wooded promontory that juts out from the coastline to form a small peninsula.