A designer turned architect! Brunello Cucinelli restored his native town of Solomeo
The designer brings the buildings back to life
Brunello Cucinelli demolished unused factories and buildings and built a new luxury complex as part of his honourable project. It is sensitively set in the local enchanting environment and surrounded by vineyards, orchards or fields of sunflowers. The designer has renovated a number of buildings. One of them is a castle from the 14th century, which is now used as an art school. Other renovated buildings include the monument to honour human dignity or St. Bartholomew's Church. He newly built a monument of secular culture – a theater. What is the new Solomeo like? Divine!
The settlement of the soul
Out of love for the settlement and spirituality, Brunello Cucinelli decided to give Solomeu the nickname "The Settlement of the Soul". The designer reminds us that the suburbs present a major problem today, but for that very reason they also have enormous potential to become magical and pleasant places. He does not deny that the future of human and spiritual renewal will take place here.
Wine, wine, wine!
If you go to Solomeo, you will surely notice that the original tradition of production has been restored. Oil, grain and wine are produced here. If you are a lover of the delicious red beverage, you will be very pleased with the newly created luxury wine cellar, where this year's preparations for the first harvest of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties took place.
The magical atmosphere of the Forest of Spirituality will enchant you
The Forest of Spirituality which covers the entire "Cima" hill is worth a visit. For centuries the inhabitants regarded it as the spiritual guard of Solomeo. At the top of the hill you will find a circular clearing, and if you stand in the middle, not only will you enjoy a magnificent view of Perugia and its surroundings, but you will feel the local spirituality!
Even Solomeo has its "Square of Peace"
At the edge of the forest behind Villa Antinori Cucinelli is the Square of Peace. You will find the parish church of St. Bartholomew here, which dates back to the 12th century. The interior is decorated with luxurious ornaments and rare organs from the 18th century. Divine tranquility and splendor is not the only thing you will find here!
To the center of culture – the theater!
The theater is a place you definitely need to visit! You will find it in the heart of the area where the amphitheater, "Ginnasio"garden and the non-humanist academy are located. The unique building has a parallel ground plan and is built on a high platform, accessible by a magnificent staircase. The luxurious interior is decorated with subtle shades and austere trusses made of rough oak beams.
Brunello Cucinelli honours human dignity
The renewed monument is exposed as a travertine exedra with five vaults bearing the bronze inscription "A TRIBUTE TO HUMAN DIGNITY". To express the universal nature of this structure, the names of five of the world's largest continents are listed: America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
Memories on paper
With Brunello Cucinelli approaching the end of the restoration project, he has also completed a book called A Dream About Solomeo, which he has been working on for 5 years. He decided to bring the entire project closer to the rest of the world and share the story of his beloved Solomeo. If art is close to your heart, you probably already know which book will take up space on your bedside table for some time…
