Montanelli Bassi Foundation

The Montanelli Bassi Foundation was established by the will of Indro Montanelli in 1987. It is located in the ancient Palazzo della Volta, in the place where, in the Middle Ages, the houses of the ancestors of the famous writer and journalist from Fucecchio were located, and were part of the powerful coterie "della Volta". The facade of the building still bears evident traces of the pre-existing medieval houses, even if the interior was radically restructured between the 16th and 18th centuries. In addition to preserving and handing down the memory of Montanelli, the Foundation has among its purposes the promotion of cultural activities and studies on the historical, artistic and environmental heritage of the Fucecchio area. It announces scholarships and prizes including the "Indro Montanelli" writing prize and the one named after his wife Colette Rosselli dedicated to illustrated literature for children.

 

Montanelli (1909-2001), who contributed financially to the restoration of the building, which took place between 1990 and 1993, wanted his books, papers and the objects that had been most dear to him to be kept in the palace of his ancestors. Thus, after 2001, Montanelli's rooms were born, i.e. his studies, those in Milan and Rome, transferred to his native country. Both preserve numerous and precious testimonies related to the life and career of the journalist.

 

The Foundation also has a library and an auditorium where cultural meetings are held; finally, it preserves a large collection of paintings and drawings by the Fucecchio painter Arturo Checchi.