On April 29th, 2026 we raise a glass to Ursula Corning, Civitella’s founder. Born in Switzerland in 1903, a distant American cousin of the Ranieri family, she was a gifted linguist and passionate cultural connector who crossed borders with ease and found her true home at Civitella. She began renting the castle in 1968, creating, over 35 years, a vibrant tradition of gatherings where artists and other guests from all over the world exchanged ideas across disciplines and languages. Known for her radical hospitality, Ursula fostered unexpected connections—”seating backpackers next to bankers, the old next to the young”—by breaking down social barriers and cultivating an atmosphere of creativity and intellectual curiosity. Ursula’s legacy endures today in the thriving international community of Fellows who continue to bring the Castle to life.
Happy 123rd Birthday, Ursula!
