'Go King!' Internet cheers as Johnny Depp reportedly eyes $4M Italian castle despite local apprehension

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Johnny Depp is allegedly eyeing to buy a $4 million medieval castle in Montalto Dora, Italy to add to his evergrowing portfolio of interesting properties.

According to local reports, Depp, 60, has shown interest in buying the castle which has recently undergone a lengthy restoration process, per TMZ.

However, the small town is still a little apprehensive toward welcoming him as a neighbor to their 3300-odd community.

Johnny Depp's interest in the medieval property

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star has largely called Europe his home since his infamous 2022 defamation trial with former wife Amber Heard.

While the actor currently lives in a majestic property in England, rumors suggest ‘The Tourist’ star is keen on setting his footprint in Italy.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere delle Sera, per the New York Post, Depp visited the ancient fortress while directing the biopic about artist Amedeo Modigliani.

Per the sources, he was given extensive tours of the castle that is perched atop Mount Crovero in Turin by the actor Riccardo Scamarcio, who is starring alongside Al Pacino in the period piece.

The property is currently listed for sale after undergoing a painstaking restoration process. The 22,000-square-foot castle boasts 11 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, with a 15th-century chapel.

It is located at a magnificent geological location and overlooks the Park of the Five Lakes in Ivrea and has an abundance of Piemonte flora, including trees like ashes and chestnuts.

It has been reported that the manor comes with another smaller castle and farmhouse on the land.

Despite the speculation about Depp’s interest in the medieval castle, the mayor of Montalto Dora, Renzo Galletto, is still not confident of his ownership.

Galletto recently shared his doubts with the New York Post, “A celebrity buying a historic monument like the Montalto Dora castle would bring a lot of attention to the area, but we’re not sure if it would be the right ‘economic synergy’ for the community.”

Adding that the property is under the protection of Italian Cultural Heritage, the mayor warned, “The castle is a Site of Community Interest, which means it comes with certain rules which have to be followed.”

He also shared, “Building [anything new inside or out] would require a lot of approvals and permissions.”

The mayor, however, later added he had not yet met the celebrated Hollywood star. He, nevertheless, clarified that should Depp make an offer for the castle, the town authorities would be “absolutely neutral” in judging his application.

Galletto shared with the outlet, “The property is private and we [the town] will be absolutely neutral in any real estate sale.”

The mayor, however, added with caution, “But we will be very strict when it comes to the urban planning rules, we will do everything we can to protect the castle.”

A source close to Depp shared with the outlet that the actor would “of course” respect the guidelines of the area if he ends up buying the real estate. 

Internet reacts to Johnny Depp's castle hunt

While the townsfolk are yet to warm up to the idea of Depp as their neighbor, the Internet has a lot to say about the prospective move.

One of the fans remarked on Depp living a castle life as they commented on Facebook, "Looking like a hot Dracula and now living in a castle 😍 his life and places he’s owned and his hobbies. That’s fully living life ❤️."

Someone else said, "If there’s anyone on the planet who needs a castle it’s Johnny Depp. 👍👍."

Meanwhile, another fan declared, "He definitely belongs in a castle ♥️."

"All castles should definitely come with a crown," said someone else.

Another fan chimed in, "A king needs his castle."

However, another social media user thought of associate expenses, saying, "That electric bill will make you think…"

Someone else noted the requirement for a reclusive stay, "Now all he needs is Wi-Fi."

Another netizen, however, bemoaned, "With 4 Million Dollars you can buy a castle in Italy ? Here in the Silicon Valley with that money you can just get a 4 bedroom house ! 😖😖."

Someone else said, "Buy it Johnny Depp!"

"Go King!!!!," commented another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.