Beneath the ancient towers lies an impenetrable NATO bunker.
Prince Alexander of Liechtenstein and his wife Astrid Köl are parting with the Castle of Sant'Andrea, located near the town of Affi, on the northern shore of Lake Garda. The estate, covering approximately 29 hectares, is valued by experts at 30–40 million euros.
As the prince told the publication Corriere del Veneto, the family spends less and less time in Italy. Their daughter Theodora studies abroad, while the couple is busy with business and public activities.
"We have spent wonderful years here, but now we visit rarely. The castle has become too large for us," admitted Alexander of Liechtenstein.
Sant'Andrea is situated on Mount Monte Mosca, from where there is a view of Lake Garda. It is surrounded by an extensive park with vineyards and olive groves. The total area of the estate is 29 hectares, while the living area of the main villa is about 2000 square meters. The complex was fully restored by the renowned Italian architectural firm Renzo Mongiardino & Pinto. The house features seven bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, spacious lounges, a concert hall, a wine cellar, a gym, and a swimming pool. The grounds also include stables, a helipad, and a 12th-century chapel.
Beneath the building lies the former NATO bunker West Star. It was used during the Cold War as a command post for allied forces. Today, it has been integrated into the architectural ensemble and made part of the private residence — a rare combination of aristocratic history and modern engineering.
The sale of the property is handled by the Swiss company Whisper Auctions, which specializes in elite real estate. The agency has published photographs of the interiors and park landscapes on its website.
Although the official price is not stated, sources estimate the value of the castle at around 30 million euros.
Such properties are rarely sold, and each transaction undergoes thorough vetting of buyers. The princely family is not in a hurry — the sale is conducted without time constraints.
Historical Heritage of Sant'Andrea
The history of Sant'Andrea spans nearly a thousand years. The first settlements on this land appeared during the Roman Empire, and the main fortifications were built in the 11th century. For centuries, Benedictine monks lived here.
Over time, the castle lost its military significance and became a luxurious country villa.
In the 19th century, it passed into private hands and became a symbol of Italian aristocracy. About thirty years ago, the estate was acquired by German entrepreneur Theodor Köl, the father of the current owner.
Astrid Köl was born in 1968 in Regensburg. In 2003, she married Prince Alexander of Liechtenstein, the grandson of the reigning prince. Today, she heads the private banking group LGT and is the CEO of Crown Designs, a luxury furniture manufacturer.
According to Alexander of Liechtenstein, the decision to sell was not due to financial reasons, but rather a change in priorities.
"We will always remember Sant'Andrea. But now it is time for this place to come alive with new owners," he noted.
Thus, the sale of the castle has become a symbol of change: for the family, it is a step towards a new stage in life.
