Descrizione
“The gentle discourse and the honest jests” at the heart of the famous book *The Courtier*
Among the architectural landmarks that stand out in the historic centre of Isola del Piano, one deserves particular attention and interest, both for the history it embodies and for the distinctive architectural features that characterise it (including the striking 16th-century sandstone portal), is undoubtedly Palazzo Baldassarre Castiglione, built in the 16th century and renovated on two occasions, in the 17th and 19th centuries. The history of this palace is inextricably linked to the feudal tradition of the Middle Ages, according to which kings, popes or princes would bestow a fief – that is, a territory – upon those who had served them.
In the 16th century, when Palazzo Castiglione was built, the true ruler of the Marche region was the Pope; indeed, the term ‘sub-feudal grant’ is most often used in this context. In the case of the Dukes of Urbino, the aim was to create a circle of trusted dignitaries. As for the history of the enfeoffment of Isola del Piano Castle—a tale of intrigue, misunderstandings and posthumous gratitude—one must turn to Baldassarre Castiglione, known for having written the famous treatise *The Courtier*.
In 1512, Castiglione was rewarded with the promise of being enfeoffed with Novilara Castle, in recognition of the services he had rendered to Guidobaldo da Montefeltro and Francesco Maria della Rovere, under whose guidance he had spent the most intense years of his life as a man of letters, courtier and diplomat. In 1522, however, under pressure from the local nobility, Novilara was returned to Pesaro, and it was not until 1574 that Guidobaldo II made belated amends by granting the Castle of Isola del Piano to Camillo Castiglione, son of Baldassarre. After various trials and tribulations linked to misunderstandings with the Pope, Baldassarre Castiglione embarked on an ecclesiastical career, which he pursued until his death in 1529.
The courtier led a full life, rich in cultural stimulation, coming into contact with the most prominent writers and artists of the time, from Pietro Bembo to Giuliano de’ Medici, son of the famous Lorenzo the Magnificent, as well as other poets and humanists. Leafing through the pages of Castiglione’s book, the reader can savour the atmosphere of nostalgia that permeated the courtier’s writing as he transcribed those conversations – or rather, ‘the gentle discourses and wholesome jests’ – exchanged between Duchess Elisabetta Gonzaga and him, as well as other courtiers, which inspired his work.
Like many dreams, however, Castiglione’s too came to an abrupt end when the duchy was taken from the family and bestowed upon Duke Guidobaldo II della Rovere, until it eventually passed into the hands of the sergeant-major and architect Giambattista Gotto of Messina.
