Welcome, I've been waiting for you. I'm Lady Baltimore, but you can call me Balti. I'm the little dog of the Sigurtà Counts, and I'm not just the most beautiful and friendly black poodle in the world, but also the guardian of the lives, stories, and secrets of this villa and its gardens. An invisible legacy flows through me, passed down through generations of dogs, faithful guardians who, for centuries, have observed, listened, and breathed in every story within these walls.
So, I am Balti, but I also represent all of the other dogs: Dini, the white poodle, Berry the Saint Bernard, Lucky the Golden Retriever, Caisina, Lupo, Liù... We've all travelled a lot, by plane, helicopter and even under the English Channel. We've been to Morocco, the white mountains of Brenta, Spain, and Portugal, where we even met King Umberto, in his residence.
We've had an eventful life in this house, playing with distinguished guests such as Sir Alexander Fleming, Konrad Lorenz, Professor Sabin, Maria Callas, and Mina Mazzini. I even had the honour of offering my paw to Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain. And yes, I'll confess... I once stole a biscuit from King Charles of England!
Today, I will be your guide. Follow me; let me guide you through the secrets of this enchanted house.