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THE MASSARUCCI FAMILY built their palatial house on the foundation of a medieval fortress on a peak overlooking the valleys of Terni, Spoleto and Acquasparta, in 1500. During that period, when the entire area was part of the Papal States, travel from Rome to Spoleto along the Via Flaminia was often fraught with dangers and difficulties, so alternate roads were created. Palazzo Massarucci was built along one of these routes and it soon became a fortressed locanda, offering food, shelter as well as fodder and stables for horses. By 1580, the tiny village of Macerino was important enough to be included on the large frescoed map of Umbrium in the Vatican Museum. The palazzo then passed from the Massarucci family to the Catholic Church in the early 17th century and for 200 years was the Seat of the Vicar of Umbria. It was purchased by a local land-owning family in the early 20th century. It was later purchased by Anna Mahler, daughter of the composer, Gustav Mahler.
In 1989 it changed hands again and the palace was lovingly restored and modernized by the current owner. The restoration was completed in 2000. |