Would you like to sleep in a Castle? Meet Olga!
Would you like to sleep in a Castle? Meet Olga!
By Chiara Barbera ~ Dreamer & Orchestrator | Vera Italia
Have you ever dreamed of sleeping in a castle? When I met Olga, I never would have imagined what would come next…
“Chiara! I’m in one of the most beautiful places! Would you like to see it?”
This was the phone call I received from one of our Culture Creators and traditional-cuisine champion, Chef Vincenzo! Of course, the answer to this was obvious!
I pulled-up to Castello Fiuzzi, channelling my inner princess, ridiculously excited to see a real-life castle. As I walked up the steps, I was greeted by one of the most spectacular views of the coastline! You’ll have to see it for yourself!
Olga welcomed me in and made me feel right at home! Originally from Munich, Olga is an adopted Siciliana and has lived there for most of her life after having fallen in love with the beautiful Italian island. A whizz in the holiday home industry, one day Olga’s adventures lead her to speak with the owners of Castello Fiuzzi who eventually became great friends. They confided that they were struggling with bookings which seemed strange to Olga because who wouldn’t want to stay in a castle? Off she went to scope out the situation and was immediately drawn to the charm of the castle and the truly spectacular view! She agreed to take it on as part of her holiday rentals portfolio as her first property in Calabria. Now she is the guardian of the castle, as we like to affectionately call her, together with the Queen of the castle, Queen, an incredibly regal and sweet Boxer dog who you will find by Olga’s side, relaxing around the castle, or riding shotgun in a very flash convertible. Queen has style!
The ventures to Calabria eventually lead us to meet. During our first encounter, Olga was very kind in sharing that she had seen a bit of herself in me and generously welcomed the opportunity to collaborate. Walking through the castle walls is some kind of magic! It’s as if you’re being transported back in time and I can’t help but imagine what life would have been like inside its big thick walls. The castle was originally built as a military fortress between the 12th and 13th centuries, commissioned by Carlo, Duke of Calabria, son of Robert, King of Naples. In today’s modern times, it’s owned by a family with a rich local history and opens the doors to accommodate couples, groups, and to host exclusive events.
Ecco! Your dream of sleeping in a castle can come true!
Olga is an incredible human being. I am aware that I may say that about each of these wonderful Culture Creators but it’s the truth! Each of them bring their own unique flair and incredibleness and in Olga’s case, she is full of interesting surprises!
When I first started dreaming-up Vera Italia, I remember brainstorming who exactly might these Culture Creators (and now “Heritage Hosts”) be and created a document with various personas as part of my business planning. One of these personas I entitled “Passionate Italian-’adopted’ provider”. Provider was the name before the term “Culture Creator” came to be.
Amici, I’ve since rummaged back through my notes because I was curious to look back on exactly how I had described this persona to be able to also share it with you. I’m amazed by what I’m about to share with you…This file was created on 23 April 2020 and last modified on 31 January 2024 (revisited during a development course). This category was created to reflect the people who may not have be born in Italy however, they are equally (sometimes even more so) passionate about keeping alive the Italian spirit and local culture. This too is an important role in ensuring this incredible culture is sustained.
So the persona passionate Italian-adopted provider was created to reflect this category of Culture Creator. Are you ready to read what I wrote?
“Historian: This passionate historian was born and raised in Germany. During her late 30s she became enthused by Italian history and decided to move to a small town in Italy to dedicate her career to a research project. While this historian was not born in Italy, she has an incredible understanding of Italian history and culture, which she loves to share with anyone who will listen.”
In October 2024, I met Olga. Born in Germany and while she isn’t a historian, she does manage a historical castle which was built between the 12th and 13th century…which happens to be a “project” that made her decide to move to a small town and she is extremely dedicated to this project. I would say my imagination in this exercise was pretty close and I must say, it’s amazing to be able to share this with you, looking back six years later and seeing these words have been brought to life.
This is the story of Olga. A treasured Heritage Host and a dear friend. In Olga I have not only found a collaborator, but a mentor and guide in this journey, and above all a beautiful friendship with someone who is just as ready for any adventure as I am! Even to venture all the way up to a tiny little town just to see an Al Bano concert! That’s a story for another time.
Amici, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to our passionate Italian-adopted Heritage Host, Olga. Until next time, I would truly like to thank you for following along on these adventures because today, thanks to you, I went back to look at my notes so I could share more of this journey with you. And thanks to you, together we have come across this amazing manifestation of a passionate Italian-adopted “provider” in real life.
Thank you for being here. As always, my prayer to you as you read along on my dream-chasing escapades and travel extravaganzas is that it will leave you with a glimmer of hope, an oomph of inspiration and the courage to take-on that little dream you’ve been carrying around in your pocket. Let’s do this!
