The incredible Italian castle that looks like it's been frozen in time

Stepping back into the 19th century: The incredible Italian castle that looks like it's been frozen in time

• The breathtaking Castello di Sammezzano in Tuscany, Italy, was built in the early 17th century by Spanish nobles 
• Castle was turned into a hotel-restaurant and refurbished in 1889 but was later closed for good in the 1990s
• Venue now up for auction to the highest bidder, with campaigners concerned it will be turned into a luxury spa hotel

These are the haunting images of an Italian castle that still stands in pristine condition, despite being left abandoned for more than 20 years.

The Castello di Sammezzano in Tuscany, Italy, was built in the early 17th century by Spanish nobles and was even visited by Emperor Charlemagne, before it was turned into a hotel-restaurant.

It has been empty since the 1990s when the hotel business closed. Despite the last refurbishment taking place in 1889, the property amazingly still retains its glorious former appearance.

The breathtaking Castello di Sammezzano in Tuscany, Italy, was built in the early 17th century by Spanish nobles

The castle was even visited by Emperor Charlemagne, before it was turned into a hotel-restaurant and later closed in the 1990s

There are claims that the castle can even be traced back to the Roman period and stands on land owned by a succession of wealthy Italian families

The spectacular property is now up for auction to the highest bidder, with campaigners concerned that rather than remain empty - or be used as a museum - the castle will be turned into a luxury spa hotel...

Stunning photographs were taken by Roman Robroek, 29, from the Netherlands, who claims that the property can even be traced back to the Roman period and stands on land owned by a succession of wealthy Italian families.

Roman said: 'It's a long walk up to the castle through the surrounding forest, but it is absolutely breathtaking.

'I've tried to capture the amazing architecture of the place in the photos, showing as much of the rooms as possible.

The castle is now up for auction to the highest bidder, with campaigners concerned that rather than remain empty - or be used as a museum - the castle will be turned into a luxury spa hotel

The Italian castle still stands in pristine condition, despite being left abandoned for more than 20 years

The lobby of the property remains in perfect condition. The last refurbishment to take place was in late 1889

Stunning photographs were taken by Roman Robroek, 29, from the Netherlands, who said: 'It's just unbelievable a place like this exists and has been built thanks to the work of one man'

'You can see the amazing hand crafted details here and there, especially in the lovely ceiling shot.

'It's just unbelievable a place like this exists and has been built thanks to the work of one man.

'I simply couldn't believe how beautiful it was and when I saw it in real life I sat inside on the floor for a couple of minutes just taking in what I was seeing.

'A group of volunteers is now trying to save the castle from being auctioned to the highest bidder and, while the volunteers would like to see it open as a museum, they fear it will become a luxury spa hotel.'

The ceiling boasts intricate detailing including this rainbow of colours and designs, and remains in perfect condition

The photograph said that the property was 'so beautiful' that he actually sat on the floor for a few minutes to take in his surroundings

Robroek added: 'A group of volunteers is now trying to save the castle from being auctioned to the highest bidder and, while the volunteers would like to see it open as a museum, they fear it will become a luxury spa hotel'

The photographer highlighted how amazing it is that so much work was put into each room of the stunning castle 

Tourists walk for miles to view the Castello di Sammezzano in Tuscany however whether or not they're allowed inside depends on chance