STORY
Boccale Castle
Origins and history of the castle
Castello del Boccale, a name that evokes history and elegance, is a place where the music of the sea and the scents of nature blend to create a unique atmosphere.
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This castle, located near Livorno, has witnessed numerous changes and owners over the centuries. Initially a Pisan watchtower, it was transformed and expanded over time, becoming a symbol of luxury and prestige.
In 1896, the Marquise Eleonora Ugolini, appreciating the beauty and strategic position of the castle, purchased it for 5500 lire, subsequently extending the surrounding park. However, in 1911, she separated from her beloved refuge. Count Rosolino Orlando, a prominent figure in the history of Livorno and linked to the Marsala wine trade, was one of the subsequent owners, marking the beginning of a close relationship between the castle and the Marsala industry, a bond that was strengthened with the arrival of Hugh Whitaker-Ingham in 1926.
Hugh, a member of the Whitaker family, one of the founders of the Marsala industry in Sicily, inherited a considerable fortune from his cousin Benjamin Ingham. This wealth allowed him to purchase the Boccale Castle, and transform it into a luxurious and refined residence, reflecting his taste for art and culture. Hugh Whitaker-Ingham, known for his exuberance and lavish lifestyle, became a central figure in Livorno society, bringing with him the elegance and charm of English nobility.
The history of the castle is also intertwined with that of the Florio family, another influential dynasty in the Marsala trade.
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Ignazio Florio Jr., descendant of the illustrious family, married Franca di San Giuliano in Livorno, in a marriage that escaped criticism from Palermo society. This event marked a further link between the castle and the history of Marsala, as Livorno became an important distribution point for this wine.
The link between Castello del Boccale and the Marsala industry was further strengthened when, following an economic crisis, the Florio family canceled an order for a yacht at the Orlando shipyard, while the Whitaker-Inghams, in a very difficult financial situation more stable, they were welcomed with open arms by the city of Livorno. Hugh Whitaker-Ingham, with his inheritance of four and a half million pounds, represented an economic turning point for the city, orphan of the free port.
The architect Cecil Pinsante was commissioned to renovate the castle, giving it a neo-Gothic appearance that has been preserved to this day. The Boccale Castle, with its rich and varied history, became a
symbol of prestige and refinement, witness to the history and social and cultural changes of Livorno and Italy.
The history of Castello del Boccale is intertwined with legends and tales that have contributed to forging its unique character. An example is the story told by Boccaccio in the "Decameron", set right in the castle tower. This story, whose protagonist is Tolomea Gualandi, a young married woman kidnapped by a pirate, Paganino, and who then chooses to stay with him, demonstrates how the castle has always been immersed in a rich tradition of stories and myths.
Under the ownership of Hugh Whitaker-Ingham, the castle became a place of refinement and culture. Whitaker-Ingham, described as an intellectual of great taste, was known for his collection of objets d'art, jades, carpets, silver and crystal. This passion for fine arts and culture was reflected in the furnishings of his homes, which were decorated with great care and attention to detail.
Hugh's presence in Livorno did not go unnoticed, and his eccentricities became part of local folklore. One of the most famous stories concerned an aunt of hers who loved to parade through the streets of Palermo with a talking parrot tied to a silver chain. The Orlando family, linked to Whitaker-Ingham, also played an important role in the history of the castle and the city, with links that extended to shipping activities and the distribution of Marsala.
The Boccale Castle, in addition to being a symbol of luxury and prestige, also became a point of reference in the social history of Livorno. The ovation received by Franca Florio, wife of Ignazio Florio Jr., at the Politeama in Palermo, testifies to the influence and fascination that this family had on the society of the time. Franca Florio, portrayed by the famous painter Boldini in a voluptuous and regal way, embodied the elegance and glamor that surrounded the Castello del Boccale and its illustrious guests.
During the years of ownership by the Whitaker-Inghams, the Castello del Boccale became a cultural and social salon, hosting events and prominent personalities. Parties and receptions at the castle were synonymous with refinement and good taste, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle and cultural interests of its owner.
These events contributed to consolidating the link between the castle and the high society of Livorno and beyond. The term "Ingham", deriving from the surname of the owner family, became synonymous with beauty and elegance in Livorno, to the point that beautiful girls, films or dresses they were described as "ingamme" in the local dialect. This shows how the Castello del Boccale and its owners had left an indelible mark on the culture and language of the city.
However, the history of the castle was not without difficulties. After Hugh Whitaker-Ingham's death and the castle's abandonment, the restoration process was hampered by bureaucratic problems. Only in 1998, a group of local entrepreneurs managed to acquire the castle and restore it, bringing it to new splendor. Today, Castello del Boccale has been transformed into luxury apartments, while retaining its historic charm and architectural beauty.
The Boccale Castle, now more "ingamme" than ever, continues to be a jewel of the Livorno coast, smelling of mastic, juniper, pines and, in a virtual way, also of Marsala, recalling its rich history and its illustrious owners. This castle is not just a historic building, but a living symbol of the cultural and social history of Livorno and Italy, witnessing changes, love stories, trade and culture through the centuries.